PhD Studentship: Residue-selective late-stage functionalisation of peptides via electrosynthesis

Dr Nicholas Mitchell (nicholas.mitchell@nottingham.ac.uk)

Applications accepted all year round.

Fully-funded PhD project (UK Students Only)

About the project

A fully-funded 42-month PhD studentship in synthetic chemistry/peptide chemistry/electrosynthesis is available in the research group of Dr Nicholas Mitchell based in the School of Chemistry at the University of Nottingham (https://nicholasjmitchell.wixsite.com/themitchellgroup).

Start date: 2 October 2023. Application deadline: The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.

Background

The diverse array of chemical functionality displayed by the 20 canonical amino acids presents both challenges and opportunities for the development of peptide and protein conjugation chemistry. Techniques that enable the residue-specific modification of polypeptides provide tools to facilitate the study and manipulation of biological systems, and the preparation of therapeutic/diagnostic agents. 

Previous work in our group concerns the exploration of operationally simple photochemical methods to install groups of interest into peptide/protein scaffolds (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2020, 59, 23659-23667; Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2022, 61, e202110223; Chem. Eur. J., 2023, e202202503). These reports include examples of stereoretentive C(sp3)-C(sp3) bond forming photochemistry which enables the installation of protein post-translational modifications (PTMs). We wish to further extend the reach of our synthetic platform by applying electrosynthesis to the late-stage functionalisation of peptides.

Project Aim

This project will involve the development of electrochemical techniques to modify peptides via desulfurative, decarboxylative, and deoxygenative radical chemistry. The candidate will receive extensive training in solid-phase peptide synthesis, organic synthesis, electrosynthesis, and analytical techniques (NMR, mass spec., HPLC, UV, IR, CD). The chemistry will be developed using an IKA ElectraSyn 2.0 Pro, however, the opportunity to construct bespoke electrochemical apparatus is available. 

Entry requirements

Applications are invited from UK home students (due to funding restrictions) with an interest in organic synthesis, electrosynthesis, and chemical biology. If you have, or are expecting to be awarded, a first class or 2:1 degree in chemistry, natural science specializing in chemistry, or a similar degree, then please get in touch! 

To apply please send your CV (max 2 pages) and a cover letter to nicholas.mitchell@nottingham.ac.uk. 

Funding Notes

The position is a 42-month, fully-funded PhD studentship starting in October 2023. This funding covers the payment of tuition fees at the UK/home rate and gives you a tax-free stipend at the standard UKRI rate (currently £17,668 per year). Due to funding restrictions this position can unfortunately not be offered to EU or international students.

Please contact Dr Nicholas Mitchell (nicholas.mitchell@nottingham.ac.uk) for further information.

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