We will prepare small molecules based on the bisarylbutadiyne scaffold that are able to report on the dynamic concentration of biologically relevant ions in cells.  Through modular design core structures will be synthesised that can be targeted to different organelles through structural modification.  On validation, multiplexing of these probes through isotopic labelling will allow for the monitoring of ions in multiple environments simultaneously, providing a suite of probes to dissect signalling pathways of relevance to disease.

You will receive a rigorous training in synthetic chemistry and become expert in the design, synthesis, isolation, purification, and analysis of small organic molecules using multi-step syntheses.  You will apply this skill set to the preparation of small molecule probes suitable for Raman microscopy and use Stimulated Raman Microscopy to evaluate each compound prepared as an ion sensor through cutting-edge spectroscopic methods.  On development of target probes, you will learn cell culture techniques, examine your compounds in a cellular environment, and use them to establish the effect of drug molecules on biochemical pathways.

In addition to the strainin gin synthetic chemistry, cell culture and Raman microscopy you will undertake the University of Strathclyde’s Postgraduate Certificate in Researcher Professional Development (PG Cert. RPD) which has been designed to recognise the wide array of skills and experiences developed within your PhD training.

Further information

The project also has the potential for a fully funded 3-month industrial placement through the project sponsors during the course of the study.