PhD Studentship: Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacology: PhD Studentship in Chemistry- Development of metallodrugs for use in cancer combination therapy

Swansea University is looking for a highly motivated candidate for a PhD studentship focused on the development of metallodrugs for use in cancer combination therapy. This exciting project is funded by Cancer Research Wales and offers the opportunity to work at the interface of chemistry, biology and medicine. 

The aim is to utilise ruthenium polypyridyl chemistry developed by the Gill group (Elgar et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2023, James et al. Dalton Trans. 2024) to develop a potent “PARPi sensitizer” that activates PARP inhibitors (PARPi) in BRCA-proficient aggressive ovarian cancer cells. This will involve the targeted chemical design of a lead candidate PARPi sensitizer, a detailed biological analysis of derivative compounds to synergise with clinically employed PARP inhibitors, and the assessment of compound and PARPi combination safety in genotoxicity studies. 

Working in both the Medicinal Inorganic Chemistry and Genotoxicity and the In vitro Pharmacology groups at Swansea University led by Dr Martin Gill and Professor Gareth Jenkins, respectively, you will utilise inorganic chemistry to synthesise and characterise a series of “second generation” PARPi sensitizers, perform cytotoxicity assays and mechanistic studies in cancer cell lines, and asses in vitro safety and genotoxicity. This work aims to establish both the therapeutic potential and safety profile of these agents.

You will have access to modern laboratories with state-of-the-art facilities in inorganic and analytical chemistry, including NMR, mass spectrometry, photophysical characterisation, along with cancer cell biology, including access to advanced imaging techniques. 

Experience of chemical synthesis is essential and, as the project is interdisciplinary, in-depth training in other techniques will be provided so that project goals may be achieved. Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with academics and other researchers in both chemical and biological sciences will be required. 

Professional development is enhanced through workshops such as grant writing and career planning, while the Chemistry Department provides numerous outreach and teaching opportunities to improve employability. Pastoral care, counselling, and peer networks further ensure that students are well supported to achieve their research objectives and develop as independent researchers.

Applications may be submitted in Welsh and any application submitted in Welsh will be treated no less favourably than an application submitted in English. Please refer to the University’s Welsh Language Policy on Awarding Grants

Advert information