About this role
Overview
The project aims to explore the potential of new warheads for the development of targeted covalent inhibitors for drug discovery. Targeted covalent inhibitors (TCIs) have vast potential to open new therapeutic avenues for undruggable targets but is currently limited by a lack of novel warheads and screening libraries. This project will involve the the design and synthesis of new covalent fragment screening libraries incorporating novel hydrophobic warheads using a Fraglite design approach This covalent fragment set will be designed for screening by both protein NMR and X-ray crystallography: the key fragment screening techniques. It will be screened against potential protein targets via both protein NMR and X-ray crystallography to identify drug discovery start points for high-value cancer targets. An iterative cycle of design-make-test will be used to optimise hit fragments identified through screening.
The project will provide multidisciplinary training in experimental techniques across chemistry and biology, providing a highly desirable skill-set enabling research at the chemistry-biology interface.
Number Of Awards
1
Start Date
1st October 2026
Award Duration
4 Years
Application Closing Date
31st January 2026
Sponsor
EPSRC, Eli Lilly Pharmaceuticals
Supervisors
Dr Hannah Stewart, Professor Mike Waring
Eligibility Criteria
We are adopting a contextual admissions process. This means we will consider other key competencies and experience alongside your academic qualifications. An example can be found here.
A minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a subject relevant to the proposed PhD project is our standard entry, however we place value on prior experience, enthusiasm for research, and the ability to think and work independently. Excellent Analytical skills and strong verbal and written communication skills are also essential requirements. A Masters qualification may not be required if you have a minimum 2:1 degree or can evidence alternative experience in a work or research-based project. If you have alternative qualifications or experience, please contact us to discuss flexibilities and request an exemption.
Applicants whose first language is not English require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all sub-skills. International applicants may require an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance certificate prior to obtaining their visa and to study on this programme.
How To Apply
Please read and complete this document as your Personal statement, and upload this with your application. Applications which do not include this document will not be considered. Further details can be found here.
You must apply through the University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal
Once registered select ‘Create a Postgraduate Application’.
Use ‘Course Search’ to identify your programme of study:
search for the ‘Course Title’ using the programme code: 8100F select ‘PhD Chemistry (full time)' as the programme of study
You will then need to provide the following information in the ‘Further Details’ section:
a ‘Personal Statement’ (this is a mandatory field) – Use this template. the studentship code DLA2630 in the ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’ field. when prompted for how you are providing your research proposal - select ‘Write Proposal’. You should then type in the title of the research project from this advert. You do not need to upload a research proposal.
You must submit one application per studentship; you cannot apply for multiple studentships on one application.
Contact Details
You can also contact: [email protected] for independent advice on your application