PhD Studentship: Discovery of Novel Therapeutics from Marine-Derived Streptomyces

Primary supervisor - Dr. Amr El-Demerdash

Background

Marine ecosystems offer a vast, untapped reservoir of bioactive compounds, with significant potential for addressing major global health challenges. This PhD project, led by Dr. Amr El-Demerdash, focuses on Streptomyces, a bacterial genus known for producing antibiotics and other bioactive compounds. The aim is to explore marine-derived Streptomyces to discover new compounds with applications in treating microbial infections, cancer, and inflammation, as well as antibiotic-resistant pathogens.

The successful candidate will isolate Streptomyces strains from diverse marine environments, culture them, and optimize large-scale production of bioactive compounds. Using state-of-the-art techniques like chromatography, mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), you will extract and structurally characterize novel marine natural products, particularly focusing on those with antibiotic and anti-infective potential. All research activates will be caried out at the School of Chemistry, Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of East Anglia and more broadly within the Norwich Research Park. 

In addition, this project will investigate the biosynthetic pathways that produce these compounds, providing valuable insights into the mechanisms marine microorganisms use to synthesize biologically active molecules. This knowledge could be pivotal in guiding the development of new, nature-inspired antibiotics to combat the growing problem of drug-resistant infections.

With the potential to unlock novel, life-saving therapeutics from the ocean’s depths, this research aims to contribute to future treatments for infectious diseases and other serious health conditions. Working within an interdisciplinary team led by Dr. Amr El-Demerdash, you will benefit from expertise in natural product chemistry, microbiology, medicinal chemistry, and pharmacology, making this an ideal environment for impactful scientific discovery.

Entry requirements

The standard minimum entry requirement is 2:1 in Chemistry, Pharmacy, Biochemistry.

Mode of study: Full-time

Start date: 1 October 2025

Funding Details

Additional Funding Information

This PhD project is in a competition for a Faculty of Science funded studentship. Funding is available to UK applicants and comprises ‘home’ tuition fees and an annual stipend of £19,237 (for a maximum 3 years). 

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