Glenn Burley

The University of Strathclyde, in collaboration with GSK and EPSRC, is offering a number of fully funded PhD studentships in the Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry. These positions are part of a prestigious industry-based PhD programme, providing a unique opportunity for postgraduate researchers to engage in cutting-edge research at the interface of synthetic organic chemistry and the biopharma industry. Research projects span a variety of areas, including iridium catalysis for C-H activation and hydrogen isotope exchange, oligonucleotide synthesis, novel reactive fragment approaches for drug discovery, electronic preresonance stimulated Raman scattering (EPR-SRS), therapeutic oligonucleotide design and pre-clinical development, and the design and cellular evaluation of next-generation antibody-drug-conjugates. All projects are underpinned by core synthetic organic chemistry techniques, ensuring a strong foundation in both theory and practical skills. Students will join a vibrant cohort at the University of Strathclyde and benefit from a collaborative environment, with the opportunity to spend at least three months at the GSK Medicines Research Centre in Stevenage, England. Supervision will be provided by Professors Glenn Burley, Craig Jamieson, Billy Kerr, Nicholas Tomkinson, and Dr David Lindsay, alongside a senior scientist from GSK, ensuring robust academic and industry mentorship. Applicants must hold or be about to obtain a very good MSci or MChem degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, demonstrate excellent theoretical and practical skills, and show high motivation for research in chemistry and related sciences. Strong communication skills and the ability to work independently and creatively are essential. Candidates must also have the right to study and work in the UK without the need for a visa. These studentships are fully funded for four years, covering tuition and stipend, and offer significant professional development opportunities through both academic and industrial placements. The application deadline is 12:00 pm on Monday, 2nd March 2026. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, CV with two referees, full undergraduate transcripts, and any other relevant information by email to Dr Laura C. Paterson, clearly stating the project(s) of interest.

Two fully funded PhD studentships are open in the group of Professor Glenn Burley at the University of Strathclyde, in partnership with GSK. These projects sit at the interface of chemistry and biology and focus on nucleic acid-based therapeutics. Project 1: Next-generation RNA-PROTACs — a direct-to-biology discovery platform for the targeted degradation of RNA-binding proteins. The project will develop RNA-PROTACs assembled and assayed in cells, combining therapeutic oligonucleotide synthesis, bioconjugation, automation, and biological evaluation. Project 2: Next-generation hydroxyl group bioisosteres for RNA therapeutics — synthetic methodology to install metabolically stable bioisosteres into nucleosides and incorporate them into oligonucleotides and longer RNA, with downstream exploration in therapeutic oligonucleotides and RNA vaccines alongside collaborators in the Strathclyde Faculty of Science and Haiyan Zhou at UCL. Funding is strong: one studentship is 42 months, fully funded at the Home fee rate with a UKRI stipend; the other is 48 months via an EPSRC Industrial Doctoral Landscape Award with GSK, open to home and international students and covering fees, consumables, and a UKRI stipend. Applicants should have a 1st or 2:1 UK Honours degree (or overseas equivalent) in chemistry, chemical biology, biochemistry, or a closely related discipline. Relevant training includes solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis, bioconjugation, liquid-handling automation, LC-MS, and cell-based assays. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled, so early application is strongly encouraged. Full details and how to apply are available via the links in the post.