Life Sciences PhD Chemistry: DNA Encoded Libraries for Synergetic Target and Ligand Identification (2024)

What you get

This School-funded position covers Home (UK) tuition fees and a stipend at standard UKRI rates for 3.5 years. Applicants with overseas fee status need to provide evidence of how they will fund the difference between Home and International tuition fees (approx. £18k per year).

Type of award

Postgraduate Research

PhD project

Project Overview

DNA encoded libraries became an established technology to generate hits for various drug discovery programs. The technology combines the power of combinatorial chemistry, PCR, and NGS to screen millions of barcoded compounds against targets of interest. This research project will take DNA encoded libraries to the next level in drug discovery. The project will bridge two key stages in drug discovery to identify targets and ligands synergistically in unmet therapeutic needs.

Project Objectives

DNA encoded libraries (DELs) have a huge potential to screen millions of compounds in one-go against immobilised purified targets. Design of focused libraries based on privileged building blocks will allow the encoded chemical spaces to act as warheads to identify new targets and their ligands synergistically. The project aims to: (i) design focused libraries for screening against specific targets, (ii) include identified hits in the design of bifunctional DNA encoded libraries, (iii) screen against mixture of targets in their biological environment.

The project will provide in-depth training in the fast-growing field of DNA encoded libraries along with (theoretical and practical) training in drug design, organic and medicinal chemistry, and chemical biology, which is essential for interdisciplinary future career in drug discovery.

You will work with experienced team in the Department of Chemistry, School of Life Sciences and Sussex Drug Discovery Centre (SDDC). You will work in an interdisciplinary environment and will be exposed to different techniques and research projects.   

Eligibility

Ideal candidates will have a strong background in organic chemistry and chemical biology or in a related subject like Life Sciences or a pharmacy degree. They should have strong interest in interdisciplinary work in a Life-Science-related subject.

Eligible applicants will hold a 2:1 BSc in a relevant subject - Entry requirements

Candidates for whom English is not their first language will require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with not less than 6.0 in any section - English language requirements

Applications are particularly welcomed from candidates with protected characteristics – e.g., from Black and other ethnic minorities who are under-represented in postgraduate research at our institution.

Deadline

How to apply

Please submit a formal application using the online admissions portal attaching a CV, degree transcripts and certificates, personal statement and two academic references. A research proposal is not required.

On the application system select Programme of Study – PhD Chemistry. Please state the project title under funding and the supervisor’s name where required.

Contact us

For queries about the application process, please see the online application guide or contact Emma Chorley: lifesci-rec@sussex.ac.uk

For enquiries about the project, please contact the supervisor: Dr Haitham Hassan: haitham.hassan@sussex.ac.uk