School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences

The School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences (SCMB) combines the disciplines of Chemistry, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Microbiology and Parasitology into a single academic unit. The School has modern research laboratories with state-of-the-art equipment and research infrastructure. The School includes over 50 academic staff, who are widely published internationally and have extensive research backgrounds.

About This Opportunity

Project Summary

To develop compounds which target Candida Auris and have exciting potential as broad spectrum antifungals. The project will build upon our recently identified novel antifungals, study in detail the mode of action and create a map of fungal specific structure-activity and structure-toxicity relationships. Ultimately the goal is to identify treatments for deadly mycotic diseases.

Mortality from infection by common pathogenic fungi: yeasts (Candida and Crytpococcus neoformans) and moulds (Aspergillus), is increasing and now exceeds that of malaria or breast cancer. There has been an explosion in occurrence of drug resistant and multidrug resistant (MDR) fungal diseases and some, such as the recently discovered invasive Candida auris, have no available treatment. Indeed the 2019 report “Antibiotic resistance threats in the United States” lists Candida Auris in the highest threat category. The few approved antifungal drugs are relatively toxic, heavily used and efficacy is in decline. Novel classes of broad spectrum antifungal able to treat MDR strains are therefore urgently needed.

Eligibility

1st Class Honours degree or Masters Degree in Chemistry (or related discipline such as Biotechnology - strong chemistry skills would need to be demonstrated). Practical synthetic organic chemistry skills to synthesise heterocyclic molecules. Experience in use of analytical techniques for structure elucidation. Desirable: Experience with target identification/mode of action studies is an advantage but not essential. Solid phase peptide synthesis experience. Medicinal chemistry experience.

*This project is available until December 2020 unless a candidate is found prior.

*The successful candidate must commence by Research Quarter 4, 2020. You should apply at least 3 months prior to the research quarter commencement date. International applicants may need to apply much earlier for visa reasons.

For further information on scholarships please refer to: https://graduate-school.uq.edu.au/phd-scholarships-health

Questions?

To discuss this role please contact Professor Avril Robertson at a.robertson3@uq.edu.au

Want to Apply?

To apply for this admission and scholarship please visit – https://graduate-school.uq.edu.au/project-scholarships

PhD Scholarship - Novel Broad Spectrum Antifungals Targetting Drug Resistant Candida Auris

The University of Queensland St Lucia QLD 4067

The University of Queensland

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