Novel Cyclic Peptides for Biomedical Imaging and Therapeutic Targeting

Cyclic Peptides have a wide range of applications as drugs and diagnostics, and have often higher receptor affinity, metabolic stability and better pharmacokinetic properties compared to their linear counterparts, but their synthesis still presents significant challenges. This project will develop novel chemical strategies for the synthesis of different classes of cyclic peptides incorporating chemical handles for the introduction of tags for optical and nuclear imaging, as well as drug payloads for different therapeutic indications. The resulting molecular constructs will then be tested in vitro and - in case of positive results - in vivo on suitable disease models, also in collaboration with different partner research institutions.

The project is particularly well suited for students aiming to pursue a career in synthetic organic/medicinal chemistry, molecular imaging and drug discovery, both in academia and industry.

Links to find out more:
Professor Zanda
https://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/chemistry/staff/academic-research/matteo-zanda/

Centre for Sensing and Imaging Science
https://www.lboro.ac.uk/science/research/imaging-science/

Entry requirements
Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in Organic/medicinal Chemistry.

Applicants must meet the minimum English Language requirements. Further details are available on the International website http://www.lboro.ac.uk/international/applicants/english/

How to apply

All applications are made online, please select the school/department name under the programme name section and include the quote reference number: CM/MZ-Uni1/2019

https://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/research-applications/

Full time duration: 3 years
Part Time Duration: 6 years

Preferred start date: TBC