Chris Morris

University College London (UCL) is offering a fully funded PhD opportunity in the field of chemical biology and cancer therapeutics, specifically focusing on the development of next-generation cancer therapeutics using high-affinity monomeric glycopeptides and LYTACs (LYsosome-TArgeting Chimeras). The project aims to improve cancer therapy by designing better glycopeptide-targeted antibody therapeutics, leveraging a new class of monovalent small glycopeptides that bind the asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR) with high affinity. This approach seeks to overcome the challenges of complex and costly ligands currently used in LYTACs, enabling more effective drug delivery and easier manufacturing. The research is a collaboration between the Morris and Chudasama groups at UCL School of Pharmacy and the Department of Chemistry, with additional collaboration from Rob Field at Cardiff University. The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary team working on ambitious projects across cancer, infection, and neurodegeneration. Training will be provided in synthetic, analytical, and biological techniques, including glycopeptide synthesis, antibody-drug conjugation, cell culture, and advanced analytical methods such as LC-MS/MS and confocal microscopy. This PhD is funded through the UCL EPSRC Landscape Award (UELA), which provides 50 fully funded studentships for 2026/27. The award covers full tuition fees (for both Home and International students), a maintenance stipend of at least £23,466 per year (2026/27, increasing annually), and a Research Training Support Grant for additional project costs, conferences, and travel. International students are eligible, but only up to 15 international studentships are available, making competition strong. The studentship duration is up to 4 years, with the expectation that the thesis will be submitted within this period. Applicants should have a strong background in chemical or biochemical sciences and a keen interest in drug development. Academic merit is the primary selection criterion. Candidates must meet UCL's general and departmental entry requirements, including degree qualifications and, for international applicants, English language proficiency. The project is open to both Home and International fee status students, subject to EPSRC eligibility rules. To apply, candidates must complete the UELA online application process, which consists of four parts: personal details, project selection (using Project ID: 2531bd1703), and submission of two academic references. All application materials must be submitted by 13:00 UK time on January 5, 2026. Further details and guidance are available on the UCL EPSRC Landscape Award website. Keywords: cancer therapeutics, LYTACs, glycopeptides, chemical biology, biological chemistry, drug development, antibody therapeutics, synthetic chemistry, cell culture, analytical techniques.