PhD Studentship: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Developing of Macrocyclic Inhibitors of the MAPK Pathway

Supervisory Team: Prof Ali Tavassoli 

Project Description:

We are seekign an outstanding chemistry student with an interest in chemical biology to work on a project to develop cyclic peptide inhibitors of a protein-protein interaction that is heavily implicated in the development and growth of tumours. 

Mutant RAS proteins drive numerous cancers, with their inhibtion shown to have therapeutic potential in several tumour types. The majority of RAS inhibitors currently in development target the G12C KRAS mutant through a covalent inhibition mechanism, which limits their use to a small subset of cancers. The Tavassoli lab has used an in-house genetically-encoded library of cyclic peptides to identify several cyclic peptides that inhibit the interaction of RAS proteins with their affectors, and therefore inhibit downstream signalling in cancer cells. 

In this project, we aim to continue the develop these inhibitors towards the clinic. In addition to the medicinal chemistry core of this project, the project will proivide training in a variety of chemical biology teniques such as recombinant protein-expression and purificaiton, and biochemical and cell-based assays. The ideal candidate will have prior lab-based experience of medicinal chemistry and/or synthetic organic chemistry, with an interest in chemical biology. 

The project provides an excellent opportunity to receive high-quality training in a range of techniques at the chemistry/biology interface. The project will be conducted in the Tavassoli lab, in state of the art multidisciplinary laboratories, facilities and equipment at the School of Chemistry, University of Southampton. 

More information about the Tavassoli lab can be found on the University of Southampton website:

https://www.southampton.ac.uk/chemistry/about/staff/ali1.page 

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent). 

Closing Date: 31 August 2024. Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified. 

Funding: We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students, including Bursaries and Scholarships. For more information please visit PhD Scholarships | Doctoral College | University of Southampton. Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered. 

How To Apply

Apply online: Search for a Postgraduate Programme of Study (soton.ac.uk). Select programme type (Research), 2024/25, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, next page select “PhD Chemistry (Full time)”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor Prof Ali Tavassoli. 

Applications should include:

Curriculum Vitae

Two reference letters

Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date 

For further information please contact: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk 

The University of Southampton is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusivity as demonstrated by our Athena SWAN award. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking to study part time. The University of Southampton takes personal circumstances into account, has onsite childcare facilities, is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.

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