About the project
Nucleic acid drugs (NAD) are unique in targeting mRNA particularly those that cannot be addressed by conventional small molecule drugs or therapeutic antibodies. Our aim is to chemically modify them to enhance their delivery and develop a NAD with good activity, that has efficient delivery to cells and is safe.
Nucleic acid drugs (NAD) have huge potential to treat diseases but despite recent advances, significant challenges remain. These include efficient delivery to cells and tissues. Recent clinical trials have identified toxicity issues, so it is important to consider safety in parallel with efficacy.
Our aim is to tackle both problems (delivery and efficacy) and develop a NAD with good activity, that has efficient delivery to cells and that is safe.
The potential of therapeutic oligonucleotides is growing fast. Up to date, their development and application in therapy have been drawing the interest of several pharmaceutical and biotech companies. We will synthesise novel different chemical modification to improve targeted delivery to heart and brain tissues.
You will join a dynamic and enthusiastic group at the School of Chemistry in Southampton to work on a project at the interface of chemistry and biology.
You will benefit from the outstanding facilities and vibrant environment provided by the department. Your objective will be to synthesis modified phosphoramidite monomers, incorporate them in therapeutic oligonucleotides and investigate their biophysical and biological properties.
The project will be supervised by Dr Afaf El-Sagheer and you will have the chance to visit collaborator’s labs for cell-based assays in Southampton and Oxford. The project is in collaboration with industry where you will also have the chance to visit their facilities and get industrial training.
Training on solid phase oligonucleotides synthesis, biophysical and biochemical assays (e.g. UV, florescence, cell biology and machine learning), structural techniques (e.g. X-ray crystallography) are provided.
The School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering is committed to promoting equality, diversity 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 flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break.
The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.
