Design and synthesis chemical probes for fluorescent imaging and mass spectroscopy

Description

Vector control is a cornerstone in many public health strategies globally and has been proven critical in the control and elimination of infectious diseases, such as malaria and dengue. However, most of chemicals used in the vector control were not developed for this purpose historically and the discovery of new chemical classes specifically for vector control is still a young field of research, in comparison to for example the discovery of agrochemicals for pest control in agriculture. One of the biggest challenges in the discovery of new chemical classes for vector control is the lack of fit-for-purpose tools that can enable the use of modern R&D techniques, such as high throughput screening or fluorescent/2-photon/MALDI imaging, in the process. Hence, there is critical needs to develop such tools, including chemical probes based on existing or novel insecticide scaffolds, to accelerate the discovery and research process in this field.

The overall aim of this PhD project is to design, synthesise and optimise chemical probes with multiple functions based on existing and novel vector control chemical scaffolds that will be applied in biological investigations using advanced techniques, such as fluorescent/2-photon/MALDI imaging and chemical proteomics, to accelerate the discovery of next generation vector control chemicals. In this project, the PhD candidate will and be trained on using modern synthetic and medicinal chemistry skills in the chemical probe design, synthesis and optimisation and introduced to other relevant advanced biological research techniques mentioned above when the probes are tested/used.

The PhD candidate will join in larger team based in the U.K. and in Germany. Regular online project meetings and annual in person meetings with the project team will be held to discuss individual and overall project progress. The medicinal chemistry group in Liverpool, where this PhD post will be based, is a vibrant and inclusive research group with around 20 members from different countries and culture backgrounds.

Please review our guide on How to apply for a PhD | Postgraduate research | University of Liverpool carefully and complete the online postgraduate research application form to apply for this PhD project.

If you have any specific enquiries related to the PhD project/position, please contact Dr W. David Hong by email: davidhwq@liverpool.ac.uk.

Please ensure you include the project title and reference number CCPR154 for example when applying.