Working in close collaboration with other scientists at the University of Strathclyde and GSK, you will develop computational methods to accelerate the design of next generation pharmaceuticals beyond Lipinski space.  Within this remit, the PhD research will focus on one or more of the following topics: (i) modelling chemical reactivity to aid the design of novel synthetic routes to ONs; (ii) elucidating structure-property relationships governing cellular uptake, physico-chemical properties, and efficacy for a novel class of therapeutic ONs; (iii) using molecular simulation and informatics to design RNA-PROTACS. The studentship will provide training in both physics-based modelling (DFT, and classical forcefield based molecular dynamics) and data-driven approaches (AI/ML, informatics).

The role will be based in the Palmer Lab in the Strathclyde Computational and Theoretical Chemistry Hub (SCoTCH), a centre for excellence in computational molecular science. The centre occupies modern computational laboratories with access to high-performance computing facilities including graphic processing units (GPUs). The centre hosts over 20 PhD students and postdocs offering a vibrant place to work.

This PhD studentship is fully-funded for home (UK) students and includes a tax-free stipend at standard UKRI rates, along with coverage of fees. Please note that the studentship does not cover international tuition fees, and applicants liable for these fees would need to secure additional funding.  The proposed start date is 1st October 2026.   For any informal enquiries, please contact Professor David Palmer (david.palmer@strath.ac.uk).   General information about the PhD programme at the University of Strathclyde.  Applications should be submitted at this link.

Further information

david.palmer@strath.ac.uk