PhD Studentship: Designing Novel Biotherapeutics for Effective and Targeted Treatment of Cancer

Primary supervisor - Dr Amit Sachdeva

Secondary supervisor - Prof Andy Cammidge

Over the last decade, several antibody-based biotherapeutics have been developed for treatment of cancer. These antibodies often bind to cell surface receptors on cancer cells and direct them towards apoptosis (programmed cell death). Though full-length antibodies have demonstrated promise in treatment of several cancers, limited success is achieved in treatment of solid tumours. This is due to the size of full-length antibodies that reduces their penetration into tumours. The aim of this PhD project is to develop novel small antibody fragments that can penetrate much deeper into tissues for treatment of solid tumours.

The successful applicant will be a talented biochemist or chemist with enthusiasm for chemistry, chemical biology, and molecular biology. The candidate will work at the forefront of chemical and synthetic biology and will develop advanced skills in chemical synthesis, various molecular biology and analytical techniques, including molecular cloning, protein expression and purification, gel electrophoresis, western blotting, and HPLC. The research work will be performed in the Chemical and Synthetic Biology laboratories housed in the School of Chemistry, University of East Anglia under the supervision of Dr. Amit Sachdeva and Prof. Andy Cammidge.

Entry requirements

The standard minimum entry requirement is 2:1 (Hons) in Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Synthetic Biology. 

Start date

October 2024

Mode of study

Full-time

This PhD studentship is funded for 4years and funded by Big C Cancer Charity, the Katritzky Scholarship and the Faculty of Science. Funding comprises ‘home’ tuition fees, an annual stipend of £18,622 per year and an annual research training support grant of £4750. Applications are open to, and funding available to, UK applicants only.

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