Mike Waring

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This fully funded PhD studentship at Newcastle University offers an exciting opportunity to join a leading medicinal chemistry research group focused on developing innovative cancer treatments and advancing drug discovery methodologies. The project, in collaboration with Eli Lilly Pharmaceuticals, aims to expand the scope of targeted covalent inhibitors (TCIs) by designing and synthesizing novel hydrophobic warheads for use in covalent fragment screening libraries. These libraries will be constructed using the Fraglite design approach and screened against high-value cancer protein targets using both protein NMR and X-ray crystallography, the key techniques for fragment-based drug discovery. As a student, you will engage in a multidisciplinary research environment, gaining hands-on experience in organic synthesis, fragment library design, and advanced screening methods. The iterative design-make-test cycle will allow you to optimize hit fragments and contribute to the identification of new drug discovery start points for challenging cancer targets. The project is ideally suited for graduates in chemistry who are passionate about organic or medicinal chemistry and seeking a career at the chemistry-biology interface. Training will encompass experimental techniques across chemistry and biology, equipping you with a highly desirable skill set for future research and industry roles. You will benefit from frequent interactions with scientists at Eli Lilly, who will co-supervise the project, providing valuable industry perspective and networking opportunities. Funding for this studentship includes 100% coverage of tuition fees and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £20,780 (2025/26 UKRI rate), with additional project costs supported. The award is sponsored by EPSRC and Eli Lilly Pharmaceuticals, ensuring robust financial and academic backing. Eligibility requires a minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a relevant subject. The admissions process values prior experience, research enthusiasm, and independent thinking. Strong analytical, verbal, and written communication skills are essential. A Masters qualification is not mandatory if you have a 2:1 degree or can demonstrate equivalent experience. Applicants whose first language is not English must have an IELTS score of 6.5 overall (minimum 5.5 in all sub-skills). International candidates may need ATAS clearance for visa purposes. To apply, complete the required personal statement document and submit your application via the University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal, selecting 'PhD Chemistry (full time)' (programme code 8100F) and entering the studentship code DLA2630. The application deadline is January 31, 2026, and the studentship will commence on October 1, 2026. For further information, contact Dr Hannah Stewart at [email protected] or [email protected].

[£20,780 stipend (2025/26 UKRI rate) plus 100% fees covered. Additional project costs provided. Funded by EPSRC and Eli Lilly Pharmaceuticals.] PhD Studentship in Medicinal Chemistry: High-throughput Chemistry and Direct-to-Biology Testing to Accelerate Drug Discovery Newcastle University is offering a fully funded PhD studentship focused on developing innovative high-throughput chemistry methods to accelerate drug discovery. The project aims to overcome key barriers in the design, synthesis, and testing of new drug candidates by streamlining the process through rapid parallel synthesis and direct-to-biology testing. You will work on solution-phase chemistry combined with solid-phase reaction clean-up using tethered reagents, enabling the production of pure compounds ready for biological screening without further purification. This approach allows for the parallel synthesis and testing of approximately 100 compounds in a single operation, potentially reducing the time required to less than a week for each cycle. The research will apply these methods to the optimization of drug candidates targeting selected cancer pathways, demonstrating the practical impact of high-throughput approaches in medicinal chemistry. The project is supported by EPSRC and Eli Lilly Pharmaceuticals, ensuring robust funding and industry relevance. You will join a dynamic research environment at Newcastle University, collaborating with leading academics and industry partners. Supervision and Support Supervisors for this studentship are Professor Mike Waring and Dr. Hannah Stewart, who bring extensive expertise in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery. You will benefit from their guidance and the resources of Newcastle University’s chemistry department. Funding and Duration The studentship provides a stipend of £20,780 (2025/26 UKRI rate), full coverage of tuition fees, and additional project costs. The award duration is four years, starting on 1st October 2026. Eligibility Applicants should hold at least a 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a relevant subject. The admissions process values prior experience, enthusiasm for research, and independent working ability. Excellent analytical and communication skills are essential. A Masters qualification is not required if you meet the minimum degree or can demonstrate equivalent experience. International applicants must meet English language requirements (IELTS 6.5 overall, minimum 5.5 in all sub-skills) and may require ATAS clearance for visa purposes. Application Process To apply, register and create a postgraduate application via the University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal. Search for 'PhD Chemistry (full time) - Chemistry' using programme code 8100F. Upload a completed personal statement using the provided template and enter studentship code DLA2629. Select 'Write Proposal' and type the project title; no separate research proposal is needed. Only one application per studentship is permitted. Contact For further details, contact Professor Mike Waring at [email protected] . For independent advice, email [email protected] . This opportunity is ideal for candidates passionate about medicinal chemistry, drug discovery, and innovative research methods, offering excellent funding and the chance to contribute to impactful cancer research.

Fully funded PhD opportunity in medicinal chemistry at Newcastle University , within the Newcastle Medicinal Chemistry Group. The project focuses on high-throughput chemistry and direct-to-biology screening , with supervision involving Mike Waring and Hannah Stewart, and collaboration with Charles A. and Liz McFaddin at Eli Lilly and Company . This is a research-focused doctoral opening for candidates interested in drug discovery, screening workflows, and modern medicinal chemistry approaches. The post explicitly states that it is only open to candidates qualifying for UK home fees . Funding is described as fully funded . The post says the application link is in the comments and asks applicants to apply through that link. If you have questions, contact the poster directly.