PhD Studentship: Functionalization of a Macrocyclic Scaffold for Cancer Cell Targeting

About this project

Applications are invited for a PhD project in synthetic chemistry. Based in the University of Hull’s Chemistry Department, the appointed postgraduate researcher will utilize macrocyclic-based scaffolds as carriers for metals of relevance to cancer (for example titanium, vanadium and rhenium). These macrocycles will be able to carry the metal (radiolabel) directly to the tumour/cancerous area and will not adversely affect surrounding healthy tissue. Such a system would mean smaller dosages and less side effects for patients. All new complexes will be fully characterized by a multitude of spectroscopic and analytical techniques, and their cell biology and uptake will be evaluated.

For informal inquiries, please contact 

Professor Carl Redshaw, Email: c.redshaw@hull.ac.uk

About the research cluster / about the research environment

The scholarship will support a major research project funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), in collaboration with Imperial College London and King’s College London and industrial partners. The successful applicant will form an integral part of the project team, driving this exciting multidisciplinary and impactful research forward alongside colleagues from the Chemistry Department and the PET Research Centre (part of the Hull Molecular Imaging Centres development (HuMIC) at UoH).  They will be able to present their work on academic platforms, co-author papers, and work closely with our project industry partners.  They will also benefit from close collaboration with the UoH-Medical Research Council CiC interdisciplinary mini-PhD cluster “Immune cell markers in chronic disease” and the ”Hull University Theragnostics” PhD cluster.

Funding

• The successful applicants will receive a fee waiver and a maintenance grant / stipend for three years (full-time) or five years (part-time), which covers the research period of the PhD. The fee waiver for 22/23 is £4596 (Home fee) and the maintenance grant is £17,668 per annum. This rises each year in line with the UKRI’s recommended stipend allowance.

• If you need to move into a fourth year (full time) or sixth year (part-time) to complete your thesis, please note that you will not receive a tuition fee waiver or maintenance grant during this period and you will be required to pay a continuation fee.

Submission of thesis

Submission of your final thesis is expected within three years and three months from the start of your PhD scholarship for full-time and within five years and six months if studying part-time.

Eligibility and entry requirements

Applicants should have a minimum 2.1 class of degree in Chemistry or a closely related subject. A taught MSc or Masters by Research (MRes) in a relevant subject would be an advantage.

International applicants

This opportunity comes with a Home fee waiver only, which will not cover the full International fee. You will therefore need to pay the difference between the Home fee and the International fee and will need to provide evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover this.

How to apply

Applications are via the University of Hull webpage  

Closing date for applications

28 April 2022

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