Screening for chemotherapeutic scaffolds from toxin-producing microalgae

Background

Microalgae constitute an important part of marine ecosystems and as part of their survival strategy often produce bioactive natural products that play an integral role in marine ecology. Some of these are highly toxic as well as being some of the most structurally complex natural compounds known to mankind. Several biotoxin producing microalgal species have been found in Australian waters, and they have been identified as producing different types of poisonous syndromes such as amnesic shellfish poisoning, diarrhetic shellfish poisoning, neurotoxic shellfish poisoning and paralytic shellfish poisoning. In most cases, the biotoxin responsible for toxicity has been characterised, many of them having complex, intriguing structures with powerful biological actions, which has attracted considerable interest from medicinal chemists and pharmacologists. These compounds belong to various biochemical classes such as polyketides, polycyclic ethers, alkaloids and amino acid derivatives. Even though the biological activities of these toxins are harmful to the target organisms, they have great biotech potential for non-target organisms. Bioactivity studies and molecular modeling of a range of these toxins can lead to the identification of novel chemical scaffolds and design of unnatural analogues with improved pharmaceutical characteristics.

Aims

The projects aim is to identify potential molecules for use as therapeutic agents or as drug leads from toxin-producing microalgae. The study will involve culturing and maintenance of algal cell cultures, bioactivity assays, isolation and characterization of metabolites using chromatography, mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy. The project will also include in silico molecular modeling, rational drug design/improvements to produce novel molecules.

Desirable skills and qualifications

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate with:


•a background in natural products chemistry and analytical chemistry and should have experience with isolation of organic compounds using column chromatography and HPLC as well as experience with identification of organic compounds by spectroscopic methods such as NMR, mass spectrometry and LC-MS
•have prior expertise in extraction, isolation, and characterisation of molecules from natural sources
•a strong background in silico molecular modelling and in vitro biological assays is also desirable
•good skills to communicate and collaborate
•functioning well in a multi-disciplinary research team
•a first class Honours or Master’s degree and/or published work or research experience.

Overseas applications are welcomed (with current IELTS assessments), but Australian and New Zealand permanent residents will be preferred. Successful applicant must commence their studies no later than 31 August 2017 (Visa approved).