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Published: 16 Jan 2023 1,505 views
The Swansea University School of Medicine hosts a world-leading research programme in drug discovery and medicinal chemistry. Medicinal chemistry plays a pivotal role in a wide range of aspects of the drug discovery and development research field, offering many opportunities for interdisciplinary research. This research project, which runs in collaboration with Cardiff University and the Rega Institute for Medical Research (Leuven, Belgium), aims to identify and develop novel antiviral agents for norovirus infections, to be used both as treatments and prophylactic options during outbreaks. Norovirus, known as the “winter vomiting bug”, is the first cause of non-bacterial gastroenteritis worldwide, leading to 699 million illnesses and 219,000 deaths every year, with huge associated societal costs and health expenditures.
No commercial vaccines or antiviral drugs are currently available to prevent/stop norovirus infections, and the current therapy consists merely of supportive care with oral rehydration salts.
In this project, a combination of computer-aided drug design techniques (molecular modelling) and synthetic organic chemistry methods will be used to identify and synthesise novel antiviral treatments, in the form of small-molecule compounds, targeting norovirus NS1-2 protein and the viral polymerase, which represent promising targets for the development of antiviral agents. These targets will be studied with a series of in silico analyses, which will guide the design and synthesis of novel compounds, able to interfere with the essential functions of these proteins, and therefore to impair the virus life cycle. The new compounds prepared will be evaluated in-house in a series of biochemical assays, and tested for their antiviral properties in world-leading centres for antiviral drug discovery.
Modern laboratories and state-of-the-art equipment will be available to support the research and offer unique training opportunities with advanced research techniques.
Excellent candidates with a background in medicinal/organic chemistry, drug discovery, or closely related disciplines are strongly encouraged to contact Dr Salvatore Ferla ([email protected]), to learn more about the project and the training opportunities available to the successful candidate.
Swansea University has been at the cutting edge of research and innovation since 1920. We have a long history of working with business and industry but today our world-class research has a much wider impact across the health, wealth, culture, and well-being of our society. We have achieved an extraordinary level of success in recent years and our research activity exceeds that of many larger universities yet this has not compromised the friendly and relaxed atmosphere that has always characterised the �Swansea experience�. In our Centenary year, we look forward to continuing to work ... continue reading
| Application Deadline | 01 Mar 2023 |
| Country to study | United Kingdom |
| School to study | Swansea University |
| Type | PhD |
| Course to study | View courses |
| Sponsor | Swansea University |
| Gender | Men and Women |
This scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees and an annual stipend of £17,668.
Additional research expenses will also be available.
Candidates must normally hold an undergraduate degree at minimum 2.1 (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University), or a Master's degree with Merit (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University) in medicinal/organic chemistry, drug discovery, or closely related discipline.
English Language requirements: If applicable – IELTS 6.5 overall (with at least 5.5 in each individual component) or Swansea recognised equivalent.
This scholarship is open to candidates of any nationality.
Subject areas: Drug discovery / Medicinal chemistry/ Antivirals
Project start date:
Project supervisor:
Aligned programme of study: PhD in Medical and Healthcare Studies
Mode of study: Full-time
Informal enquiries are welcome, please contact Dr Salvatore Ferla ([email protected]).
*External Partner Application Data Sharing – Please note that as part of the scholarship application selection process, application data sharing may occur with external partners outside of the University, when joint/co- funding of a scholarship project is applicable.
As part of your online application, you MUST upload the following documents (please do not send these via email):
To apply, please complete your application online with the following information:
In the event you have already applied for the above programme previously, the application system may issue a warning notice and prevent application, in this event, please email [email protected] where staff will be happy to assist you in submitting your application.
*It is the responsibility of the applicant to list the above information accurately when applying, please note that applications received without the above information listed will not be considered for the scholarship award.
One application is required per individual Swansea University led research scholarship award; applications cannot be considered listing multiple Swansea University led research scholarship awards.
We encourage you to complete the following to support our commitment to providing an environment free of discrimination and celebrating diversity at Swansea University:
For more details visit: Swansea University website.
