Development of anticancer agents that target molecular vulnerabilities of glioblastoma multiforme

Glioblastoma multiforme is the most common and aggressive cancer that begins within the brain. Without treatment, the average patient survival following diagnosis is merely 3 months, while with the best available surgical and adjuvant therapies average survival can only be extended to 12-14 months. Pharmacological interventions of this incurable disease are severely limited by the lack of targeted drugs against this highly invasive cancer.

Using a drug discovery strategy that combines ligand-based design and phenotypic screening of patient-derived glioma cells, University of Edinburgh’s scientists from the Institute of Genetics and Cancer and the Centre of Regenerative Medicine have developed an innovative programme of research to accelerate the discovery of anticancer agents that target inherent vulnerabilities of glioblastoma multiforme. The project will be carried out at the Institute of Genetics and Cancer (Edinburgh Cancer Research) and will be supervised by Prof Asier Unciti-Broceta (First Supervisor) and Prof Neil Carragher (Second Supervisor), drug discovery experts and inventors of the clinical drug candidate NXP900. The student will also benefit from close interactions with Prof Steve Pollard (Centre of Regenerative Medicine), expert in brain cancer biology and principal investigator of the Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence. The PhD student will receive invaluable training in multiple cutting-edge techniques at the interface of chemistry and biomedicine (including organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry, cell culture, phenotypic screening assays, IP protection and technology transfer) within a world-class research environment.

The project would suit a student with general interest in medicinal chemistry, drug development and translational research. Funded by Brain Tumour Research, the student will receive a UKRI-rate four-year stipend and will have access to a minimum budget of £12,000 for research expenses. University tuition fees will be covered by the award.

Candidates should hold or expect to obtain a first-class honours degree (or an upper-second class with industry experience) in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences or a related discipline. Lab experience in organic synthesis and medicinal chemistry via honours project, a year in industry or MSc by Research will be highly valued.

To apply please follow this link and follow the guidance –Development of anticancer agents that target molecular vulnerabilities of glioblastoma multiforme nearmejobs.eu The University of Edinburgh