Synthesis of potential drug candidates from dendrimers

A PhD position is available for an international or New Zealand candidate to work on the design and synthesis of dendrimer based drug candidates. Dr Rendle’s team at the Ferrier Research Institute have designed, synthesised and patented a novel dendrimer scaffold that is suitable for use in pharmaceutical applications.

This PhD project will further ongoing work on taking this dendrimer scaffold and elaborating it to synthesise potential drug candidates. This will include attachment of peptides to the dendrimer and modification of the dendrimer for drug delivery applications. It will involve the design and multi-step chemical synthesis of targets using techniques such as anhydrous reaction conditions, column chromatography, NMR, MS and HPLC. Some practical experience of multi-step organic synthesis in a laboratory and an appreciation of good practice health and safety and record keeping are essential. The candidate will receive full training and guidance through all aspects of the project. Collaborators will biologically evaluate synthesised compounds.

The work will be based at the Ferrier Research Institute at Victoria University of Wellington (VUW), Wellington, New Zealand (www.victoria.ac.nz/ferrier), supervised by Dr Phillip Rendle www.victoria.ac.nz/ferrier/about/staff/phillip-rendle

The candidate will hold a BSc (Hons) or MSc in organic or medicinal chemistry, synthetic drug discovery or a related discipline with significant practical organic chemistry experience, and will be enthusiastic and passionate about research.

To apply: Please contact application enquiries (via [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.