PhD Studentship in Tumour-targeted Chemotherapeutics and Immunogenic Cell Death (Chemical Biology, Chemistry, Cancer Research)
The Institute of Chemical Biology EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (ICB CDT) at Imperial College London is offering a fully funded 4-year PhD studentship starting October 2026. The project, titled "Synthesis and Evaluation of Tumour-targeted Chemotherapeutics that Induce Immunogenic Cell Death," is co-sponsored by the EPSRC CDT and the CRUK Convergence Science Centre. Supervised by Professor Ramon Vilar, Dr Esther Arwert, and Dr Francesco A. Aprile, the research will focus on developing novel chemotherapeutics that target tumours and induce immunogenic cell death (ICD).
The project will utilize combinatorial and automated synthesis to create focused metal-based compound libraries. These compounds will be screened for activity, and promising candidates will be conjugated to cancer-targeting nanobodies. The effects of these conjugates on the tumour microenvironment and ICD mechanisms will be studied, integrating chemical biology, chemistry, and cancer research.
Successful candidates will participate in both the ICB CDT TechExpert training programme and the CRUK Convergence Science Centre training programme, gaining interdisciplinary skills in chemical biology, drug discovery, and translational medicine. The position is open only to candidates with Home fee status (UK), and applicants should have a strong background in chemistry, chemical biology, or a related field, with interests in cancer research and laboratory skills in organic synthesis and biological evaluation.
Funding is fully provided for 4 years, covering tuition fees and a stipend for living expenses. The application deadline is January 30, 2026, at 5pm. For further details and to apply, visit the provided application link. This opportunity is ideal for students interested in chemical biology, chemistry, cancer research, immunogenic cell death, tumour-targeted therapeutics, nanobodies, and drug discovery at a leading UK institution.