Glycoprotein synthesis using a combination of synthetic and biological components.

A fully funded PhD studentship is available within the UCL Department of Chemistry to work under the supervision of Dr Derek Macmillan in the area of glycoprotein synthesis using a combination of synthetic and biological components.

We have much experience in the semi-synthesis of site-specifically glycosylated peptides and proteins, and will target therapeutic protein hormones in initial proof of concept studies. Simply glycosylated peptides and proteins will be elaborated enzymatically using synthetic and/or biologically derived oligosaccharides. The project will further involve the study and development of synthetic methodology developed in our group to activate glycopeptide “building blocks” for transformation into complex proteins using chemoselective ligation reactions. This PhD project offers the potential to synthesise valuable therapeutic peptides and proteins in a sustainable and commercially viable fashion. The student will gain expertise in synthetic organic chemistry, enzyme expression, biotransformation, and the use of a variety of analytical and characterisation techniques including HPLC, LC-MS, and NMR spectroscopy.

The applicants should have, or expect to gain, at least a 2.1 honours or equivalent at Masters level in Chemistry, or a related subject, e.g. Medicinal Chemistry Biochemistry, or Chemical biology. Applicants should send their applications (motivation letter, CV and contact info for 2 referees) by email to Dr Derek Macmillan ([Email Address Removed]) who may also be approached for informal enquiries.
Applicants will also be required to complete an electronic application form at http://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/apply. Any admissions queries should be directed to the postgraduate administrator Dr Jadranka Butorac ([Email Address Removed]).