Design and synthesis of chemical tools to interrogate cannabinoid receptors - synthetic, medicinal chemistry University of Otago in New Zealand

Research project

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join an interdisciplinary team at the University of Otago, to undertake research developing chemical probes for the cannabinoid receptor, a type of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). This project primarily involves the design and multi-step organic synthesis of small molecule ligands and conjugates as chemical tools for the cannabinoid receptor. Further details of this project can be discussed upon application. This project will involve techniques such as anhydrous reaction conditions, silica column chromatography, HPLC, NMR, MS and HPLC. Research experience in laboratory-based multi-step organic synthesis is essential (e.g. a minimum of a synthetic Honours or Masters research project ). There is also scope for the student to expand their organic chemistry and medicinal chemistry skill set by undertaking experiments in other disciplines during this project, for example molecular modelling and/or biological assays. This project will be based at the Department of Chemistry at the University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand ( https://www.otago.ac.nz/chemistry/index.html ), primarily supervised by Dr Andrea Vernall ( https://www.otago.ac.nz/chemistry/people/otago743128.html ).

Eligibility

The candidate will hold a BSc (Hons) or MSc in organic or medicinal chemistry or synthetic drug discovery or a related discipline, or a BPharm (Hons) or MPharm with a

significant synthetic chemistry research component (e.g. Hons or Masters research project involving synthesis). The candidate will have completed a practical multi-step organic chemistry project (e.g. not a taught Masters) and will be enthusiastic and passionate about research. The student must apply for and successfully gain a University of Otago Doctoral Scholarship. A GPA equivalent to an Otago GPA of 8.0 (A) or above on a 9 point scale is necessary for competitive Scholarship application. This University Scholarship application is made with the support of the potential PhD supervisor, so please contact Dr Vernall ( [email protected] ) as the first step.

To Apply / Express interest in this project - please send your CV and academic transcript, which includes a mark/GPA breakdown, to Dr Vernall. Please note as per University regulations - an English language test document may also be required, for instance if English is not your first language.