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  EPSRC Expanding the Build-Couple-Transform Paradigm to develop highly diverse screening libraries for Drug Discovery


   Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering

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  Prof M Waring, Dr Hannah Stewart, Dr N Tatum, Dr Allegra Franchino  No more applications being accepted  Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)

About the Project

Lead-like libraries provide ideal hits for drug discovery, but their construction usually relies on a common starting material, meaning that the libraries lack scaffold diversity. Our Build-Couple-Transform paradigm addresses this problem using multiple diversification reactions as the final step to produce an array of scaffolds. The project will develop libraries based on new chemical transformations, with a focus on saturated heterocycles. Screening the libraries will identify novel hits against protein targets. This project will provide ideal training in organic synthesis and medicinal chemistry design and will be ideally suited for a student wishing to explore a career in drug discovery.

This studentship is part of the Molecular Sciences for Medicine (MoSMed) Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT). Further MoSMed CDT studentships are available here.

Eligibility Criteria

Please see the MoSMed website for further details regarding academic eligibility.

Home and international applicants (inc. EU) are welcome to apply and if successful will receive a full studentship. Applicants whose first language is not English require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all sub-skills.

International applicants may require an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance certificate prior to obtaining their visa and to study on this programme.

How to apply

Please apply through Newcastle University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal.

Once registered select ‘Create a Postgraduate Application’.

Use ‘Course Search’ to identify your programme of study:  

  • search for the ‘Course Title’ using the programme code: 8207F
  • select PhD Molecular Sciences for Medicine (SNES)' as the programme of study

You will then need to provide the following information in the ‘Further Questions’ section:  

  • a ‘Personal Statement’ (this is a mandatory field) - upload a document or write a statement directly into the application form. Please include the full title of the studentship, the studentship code (mos23_13), and how your interests/experience relate to the project.
  • the relevant studentship code (mos23_13) in the ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’ field. If you wish to apply for additional studentships, please make sure to add the relevant studentship reference each time, before submitting each separate application. For example, you may wish to apply for mos23_12 AND mos23_13. You must include the relevant code for your application to be considered.
  • when prompted for how you are providing your research proposal - select ‘Write Proposal’. You should then type in the title of this project. You do not need to upload a research proposal.
  • An up to date CV.
  • Please upload all documents in PDF format.

If you are applying for more than one MoSMed CDT studentship, please read the guidance on applying for multiple studentships before starting your applications.

Contact Details

Prof Mike Waring [Email Address Removed]

Chemistry (6)

Funding Notes

100% fees covered, and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £17,668 (2022-23 UKRI rate). An additional allowance will be provided to contribute towards consumables, equipment, and travel related to the project.