The Stability of Proteins and their Chemically Modified Derivatives

Applications are invited for a PhD studentship, funded by SSPC, the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals and based in the Soft Matter and Biophysical Chemistry group in the Department of Chemistry at Maynooth University. This is an experimental physical chemistry/biological physics project that will investigate the role of chemical modification of proteins in altering protein-protein interactions and assembly behaviour.

Minimising protein association and/or aggregation during manufacture and appropriate selection of formulations are key to developing effective biopharmaceutical drug products. Understanding the physico-chemical basis for protein self-assembly and how changes to the protein surface influence it, are key to developing and manufacturing new protein and peptide based drugs. Using an interdisciplinary approach, combining chemistry, physics and chemical engineering, the role of protein chemical modification in altering protein-protein interactions and solution stability will be investigated for model and therapeutically relevant proteins.

The successful candidate will register for the 4-year structured Ph.D. programme in Chemistry and will join a well-equipped and dynamic research group at Maynooth University with a focus on understanding protein self-assembly from several different perspectives. This project is very interdisciplinary in nature and will appeal to those with a background in physical chemistry, physics or chemical engineering and a willingness to learn new approaches and techniques to understand the physical basis underlying protein assembly.

Applicants should have, or expect to have, a first class or upper second class honours degree (B.Sc.) or a Masters degree in physics, chemistry or chemical engineering (or a related field). A willingness to learn new skills and techniques across disciplines, including molecular biology, physical chemistry and physics is required. A start date in September 2019 is anticipated.

More information about the research group and a list of publications can be found here (https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/people/jennifer-mcmanus).

Applicants should send a cover letter and CV, including the names of 2 referees (as a single pdf) to [Email Address Removed] for immediate review.