Synthesis and Evaluation of Metal Chelators Targeting Cellular Organelles Against Cancer (Ref: SF20/APP/TETARD2)

Metal chelators have demonstrated their ability to combat the growth and survival of cancer cells. This is thought to be due to their ability to inhibit metalloenzymes or promote oxidative damage for example. Organelles in the cell have different tolerance for metal homeostasis. Thus to increase the activity of the chelators, it is attractive to make them target the part of the cell that is most susceptible to disruption.

We have designed in our laboratory a series of metal chelators that have selected organelle targeting ability. The aim of the project is to synthesise these compounds and to test their ability to stop the growth or kill cancer cells in preference to healthy cells. The PhD project will:
a) Synthesise these novel families of chelators and their control compounds.
b) Screen their ability to kill cancer cells and assess their selectivity against healthy cells.
c) Investigate their mechanism of action at the biochemical level.

Eligibility and How to Apply:
Please note eligibility requirement:
• Academic excellence of the proposed student i.e. 2:1 (or equivalent GPA from non-UK universities [preference for 1st class honours]); or a Masters (preference for Merit or above); or APEL evidence of substantial practitioner achievement.
• Appropriate IELTS score, if required.
• Applicants cannot apply for this funding if currently engaged in Doctoral study at Northumbria or elsewhere.

For further details of how to apply, entry requirements and the application form, see
https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/research/postgraduate-research-degrees/how-to-apply/

Please note: Applications should include a covering letter that includes a short summary (500 words max.) of a relevant piece of research that you have previously completed and the reasons you consider yourself suited to the project. Applications that do not include the advert reference (e.g. RDF18/…) will not be considered.

Deadline for applications: 1st July for October start, or 1st December for March start
Start Date: October or March

Northumbria University takes pride in, and values, the quality and diversity of our staff. We welcome applications from all members of the community. The University holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award in recognition of our commitment to improving employment practices for the advancement of gender equality.

Please direct enquiries to Dr David Tetard ([Email Address Removed])


The candidate is expected to be a synthetic organic chemist with a strong knowledge of biochemistry and willing to learn cellular biology.