Development of chemical probes to study Phytophthora University of Otago in New Zealand

Research project

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to undertake research developing chemical probes for Phytophthora , including Phytophthora agathidicida . Phytophthora are microorganisms that cause devastating diseases in crops, trees, and ecosystems worldwide and affect kauri health in NZ. Several of the most potent, globally developed chemical treatments (oomycides) for Phytophthora are ineffective at killing certain life stages of Phytophthora agathidicida . There is an urgent need to provide insight into 1) why this is and 2) to identify new drug targets of problematic Phytophthora . This research will develop fluorescent and covalent chemical probes, which will enable previously unattainable molecular-level insight into Phytophthora proteins. 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 component. 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.