Dr A Gamble
Applications accepted all year round
Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
About the Project
Projects for PhD candidates to work in the area of bioorthogonal chemistry are available. The goal of the research is to gain greater control and faster activation rates of bioorthogonal chemical reactions used for drug delivery. Design, synthesis, activation and biological evaluation of prodrugs, nanoparticles and imaging probes would be investigated.
Background: Bioorthogonal chemical reactions (chemical reactions performed in a living system) have been utilised in bioconjugation and imaging strategies. While these reactions could be considered as “click-and-stick” type reactions, the proposed projects would look at taking advantage of a “click-and-release” type strategy for targeted and controlled prodrug, probe or nanoparticle activation. To achieve sufficient prodrug activation in vivo, the reaction must be fast and the drug must be released in a high enough concentration to exert its biological response. We have identified a new and general bioorthogonal prodrug activation strategy based on the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of an azide and trans-cyclooctene (see reference below). In a continuing effort, the successful candidate(s) will be investigating methods to improve our reaction for pre-clinical studies.
The project will involve the design and multi-step synthesis of small molecules or polymers using synthetic chemistry techniques such as anhydrous reaction conditions, column chromatography, HPLC purification, NMR, MS and IR characterisation. A research background in organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry or physical organic chemistry is essential. Full training in advanced synthetic chemistry techniques and cell biology will be provided throughout the project.
The work will be based in the School of Pharmacy at the University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand (www.pharmacy.otago.ac.nz).
The candidate will hold a BSc (Hons) or MSc in organic or medicinal chemistry or synthetic drug discovery or a related discipline, or a BPharm (Hons) or MPharm with significant practical organic chemistry experience, and will be enthusiastic and passionate about research.
To apply: Please contact Dr Allan Gamble ([Email Address Removed]) to explain your interest in this project and how this relates to your previous experience. Please include a copy of your CV, academic transcript, and the names of three referees.
Funding Notes
The applicant must be eligible for admission to the PhD programme, and apply and be awarded a University of Otago doctoral scholarship. The applicant needs a Masters in Science (Chemistry or Pharmacy/Pharmaceutical Sciences) with a GPA of 7.5 or greater (on a 9 point scale) or equivalent, or first class honours grade. The scholarship provides tuition fees and a tax-free personal allowance of NZD$25,000/year for a total of three years. International candidates receive the same package as New Zealand residents provided they reside in New Zealand for the duration of the project and study under a New Zealand student visa.
References
Matikonda, S. S.; Orsi, D. L.; Staudacher, V.; Jenkins, I. A.; Fiedler, F.; Chen, J.; Gamble, A. B. Bioorthogonal prodrug activation driven by a 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition. Chem. Sci. 2015, 6, 1212-1218.
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