Fungal diseases are responsible for more than 1.5 million deaths and affect over a billion people worldwide. Systemic fungal infections are intrinsically difficult to treat as there are limited classes of antifungal drugs and resistance to these agents is increasing rapidly. As a result, there is an urgent need to develop new antifungal drugs. LightOx Ltd has developed a portfolio of small molecule light-activated cytotoxic compounds that are being evaluated in a range of therapeutic contexts. This BBRSC CASE funded PhD project will investigate the potential of these compounds as novel antifungal agents and will provide an opportunity to build a successful partnership between academic research labs in the Newcastle Fungal Group https://research.ncl.ac.uk/newcastlefungalgroup/ and a thriving biotechnology company https://lightox.co.uk/. The activity of LightOx compounds against a range of fungal species, including the key human pathogens Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans, will be determined. Functional analyses will then be used to identify and characterise modes of drug-uptake, molecular targets and mechanisms of resistance.
The successful applicant will be based primarily in the world-leading Faculty of Medical Sciences at Newcastle University https://www.ncl.ac.uk/medical-sciences/ and will also undertake a period of training in a commercial biotechnology setting. The project will involve a variety of techniques and approaches including, but not limited to, functional genomics, biochemistry, fluorescence microscopy, automated chemical-genetic screens and molecular biology.
If you have a First or Upper Second-class BSc (Hons) degree or equivalent in Biology, Microbiology, Biomedical Sciences, Natural Sciences, Life Sciences, Genetics, Biochemistry or similar areas, and are passionate about research, we would like to hear from you.
The studentship should be commenced before the end of 2022.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications should be made by emailing [Email Address Removed] with:
· a CV (including contact details of at least two academic (or other relevant) referees);
· a covering letter – clearly stating your first choice project, and optionally 2nd ranked project, as well as including whatever additional information you feel is pertinent to your application; you may wish to indicate, for example, why you are particularly interested in the selected project(s) and at the selected University;
· copies of your relevant undergraduate degree transcripts and certificates;
· a copy of your passport (photo page).
A GUIDE TO THE FORMAT REQUIRED FOR THE APPLICATION DOCUMENTS IS AVAILABLE AT https://www.nld-dtp.org.uk/how-apply. Applications not meeting these criteria may be rejected.
In addition to the above items, please email a completed copy of the Additional Details Form (as a Word document) to [Email Address Removed]. A blank copy of this form can be found at: https://www.nld-dtp.org.uk/how-apply.
Informal enquiries may be made to [Email Address Removed]. The closing date for applications is Friday 8th July at 12noon (UK time).
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