PhD studentship in Chemical Biology: Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel antibody-directed conjugates for cancer treatment

Project Description 

This is a fully-funded PhD studentship in the new Institute of Cancer Therapeutics Doctoral Training Centre (ICT-DTC) at the University of Bradford. Focused on the generation of new targeted cancer treament, the ICT-DTC was established in 2018 following a major £2m investment by ICT spin-out company Incanthera plc.

Project Background

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) have emerged as an exciting new class of oncology drugs, however several issues including drug resistance, tumour heterogeneity and limited payload bystander effect must be tackled to fully realise their potential for patient benefit. To address these challenges, this project seeks to utilise new duocarmycin payloads, which possess properties that enables modulation of their DNA binding capacity and cellular potency to enhance their bystander effect. Breast cancer expressed HER2 will be used to develop proof-of-concept while other cancer cell-expressed targets will be explored to harness and optimise ADC technology for oncology indication.

Aim

To develop innovative ADCs for cancer treatment

Focus

Synthesis and optimisation of our novel duocarmycin payloads. Fine-tuning of linker and conjugation chemistries to improve stability and selectivity of new antibody mimetics. Evaluation of ADC stability in normal and cancerous tissues, establish mode of action including receptor binding and cell uptake.

Relevant papers 

For project background information, please read our review: Jukes et al., How can the potential of the duocarmycins be unlocked for cancer therapy? Drug Discov Today, 2021 Feb;26(2):577-584. Link to paper

Who should apply

Applicants with a passion for medicinal chemistry and/or chemical biology, and cancer drug discovery. Candidates should have, or expect to obtain, a first or good upper second class degree (or non-UK equivalent) in a chemistry-based subject or an appropriate Masters qualification. We are looking for applicants with evidence of educational and/or laboratory experience in medicinal chemistry, chemical biology and/or protein engineering.

Applications are invited from UK and EU citizens. International students will require additional funding; outstanding students may be eligible for a University bursary - please enquire.

Salary

Studentships cover tuition fees, a tax free stipend (at standard MRC rates, £20,780 per annum 2025/26) for the duration programme and writing-up (3.5 years total) and a generous research budget. A travel fund is also provided for each student to guarantee participation in a national and international conference. Funding for specific training courses is also included in the DTC.

Enquiries and how to apply

Formal applications should be submitted via the University of Bradford web site, by clicking the 'Apply' button, above.

Applicants should create a new user account, and then complete the form. A CV or resumé (maximum two pages) must be uploaded, and you should use the Personal Statement section to outline your background and interest in the project. Please ensure that you include the title of the project on the Research Proposal section.

For informal inquiries or for further information about the ICT-DTC, please contact:

Institute Director, Prof Robert Falconer, (r.a.falconer1@bradford.ac.uk)

The successful candidate will start their PhD in October 2025.

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