PhD in Chemistry - The Synthesis and Development of New Imaging Agents of the Translocator Protein

Highly motivated candidates are invited to apply for a PhD position in the School of Chemistry, available to commence on 1st October 2020 in the Sutherland research group. The PhD project will develop new organic synthetic chemistry for the rapid and efficient preparation of chemical imaging agents that can be used to study a range of neurological diseases (e.g. Chem. Sci., 2015, 6, 4772) associated with the translocator protein. In particular, we will investigate new transition metal catalysed transformations in combination with one-pot multi-bond forming reaction processes for the preparation of highly functional, drug-like heterocyclic scaffolds. These processes will be used to prepare molecular tracers that can be used in PET and SPECT imaging (Chem. Soc. Rev., 2011, 40, 149). For recent publications from this research programme, see: Chem. Commun., 2017, 53, 11008; J. Med. Chem., 2018, 61, 4103; Org. Lett., 2019, 21, 2488. More information on the Sutherland research group can be found at: http://www.chem.gla.ac.uk/staff/andrews/

Eligibility: Applicants should hold (or expect to be awarded) a first class or upper-second class Masters degree (MSci, MChem, MSc, MRes) or BSc (Hons) degree in Chemistry and have research experience in synthetic organic chemistry.

Applications will be considered as received

Applications should be sent to Dr Andrew Sutherland ([Email Address Removed]) and include a full CV, with details of all University course grades to date, contact details of at least two academic referees and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the PhD position.

Formal Applications: Please refer to the following website for details on how to apply:
https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/chemistry/prospectivepostgraduates/postgraduateresearchopportunities/