Ph.D. Studentship Computer-aided Drug Design – The Role of Molecular Shape



A PhD studentship is available in the School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences at LJMU. We seek highly motivated candidates with a proactive approach to impact-driven research that benefits society.

In order for a compound to become a drug it must bind tightly to one or more given receptors, but not to others. The shape of the molecule has a very strong influence upon its ability to do this but is hard to describe succinctly. This project seeks to develop a language and methodology to describe molecular shape and to explore its application to improving a molecule’s likelihood of becoming a drug. Novel chemoinformatics methods will be developed in order to explore the relationship between drug target potency and/or toxicity and chemical shape. Liverpool John Moores University is internationally recognised for its work in computer-based (in silico) techniques in both drug design and predictive toxicology. The PhD project will involve a combination of statistical analysis and programming using a number of commercial and freely available software packages. No prior experience of these techniques is required as appropriate training will be provided.

For informal enquiries email either Dr Andrew Leach (a.g.leach@ljmu.ac.uk) or Dr Steve Enoch (s.j.enoch@ljmu.ac.uk).

General Information:

Tax-free stipend of £13,750 for 2013/2014 (with future rates subject to review) and Home/EU tuition fees paid for three years. The anticipated start date is 6th January 2014.

International students will only be considered if they provide self-funding for the difference between International and EU tuition fees. Applicants should have (or expect to receive) an upper second class degree or higher.

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The successful candidate will register initially for the award of MPhil and will be expected to transfer to PhD registration within 12-15 months (subject to satisfactory progress and approval of a transfer report).

How to Apply:

Applicants should send:

  1. A covering letter outlining your interest in this research area, and any relevant experience in the field. Please explain what makes you suitable for this position. For non-EU candidates there must be a clear statement explaining how you would expect to pay the difference in EU and overseas fees.
  2. A C.V. (maximum two pages) including the names of two referees.

Applications should be submitted, preferably electronically, to Dr Andrew Leach by clicking on the ‘Apply’ button below.

Closing Date: 14th November 2013

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