Luminescent Anion Receptors for High-Throughput Bioassays in Drug Discovery (Ref: CM/SB-SF2/2026)

About the Project

The aim of this PhD project is to synthesise luminescent molecules that bind reversibly to target biological anions, which are produced during pharmaceutically important enzyme reactions. Anion binding to the molecular receptor will induce a luminescence response that enables measurement of enzyme activity in real-time. The receptors will be developed into novel bioassays, enabling better selection and validation of new drug candidates at an early stage in drug discovery.

Full Project Detail:

Enzymes that consume and produce nucleoside polyphosphate anions (e.g. kinases) represent a major target in cancer drug discovery. Many drugs act by inhibiting enzyme activity, therefore, to increase confidence in the selection of lead drug compounds it is crucial that pharmaceutical companies have robust assays to measure enzyme activity accurately. Most existing assays require expensive, unstable antibodies or chemically modified substrates, which are time consuming to prepare and place a strain on the drug development process.

The aim of this project is to develop molecular probes that bind reversibly to specific nucleoside polyphosphate anions (e.g. ADP), which are produced during pharmaceutically important enzyme reactions. Upon binding to the anion, the probe will provide a luminescent signal that enables precise measurement of enzyme (e.g. kinase) activity in real-time. The molecular probes developed in this project will provide a vital step towards the rapid, accurate determination of enzyme kinetics and mechanisms. This would enable better selection and validation of new drug candidates at an early stage in drug discovery, reducing effort pursuing compounds destined to fail at the more lengthy and costly development phases. Strategies for promoting cellular uptake of the probes will be investigated, to enable monitoring of biochemical processes in specific compartments of living cells. To achieve this, we will explore how changes to the structure and geometry of the molecular probes affect anion binding selectivity and cellular uptake behaviour.

This project is multidisciplinary in nature, spanning the areas of synthetic organic chemistry, supramolecular chemistry and bioassay development. The student will gain excellent training in a range of techniques including organic synthesis, study of host-guest interactions using optical spectroscopy, bioassay development and cellular imaging. The student will be very well trained for roles in industry. Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies increasingly require scientists with a combination of synthetic and bioanalytical skills. Therefore, there are many potential employability options for the student, in addition to postdoctoral opportunities in this highly active research field.

Name of primary supervisor/CDT lead:

Stephen Butler s.j.butler@lboro.ac.uk

Name of secondary supervisor:

Ben Buckley

Entry requirements:

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree in Chemistry. Experience in organic chemistry, supramolecular chemistry and/or chemical biology will be an advantage.

English language requirements:

Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website (link).

Bench fees required:

Yes - Bench fee value: £2000 per annum

Closing date of advert:

1st February 2027

Start date:

July 2026, October 2026, February 2027, July 2027

Full-time/part-time availability:

Full-time 3 years

Fee band:

2025/26 Band RB (UK £5,006, International £28,600)

How to apply:

All applications should be made online. Under programme name, select Chemistry. Please quote the advertised reference number: CM/SB-SF2/2026 in your application. To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit a CV and the minimum supporting documents.

The following selection criteria will be used by academic schools to help them make a decision on your application. Please note that this criteria is used for both funded and self-funded projects.

Please note, applications for this project are considered on an ongoing basis once submitted and the project may be withdrawn prior to the application deadline, if a suitable candidate is chosen for the project.

Project search terms:

analytical chemistry, biological sciences - other, chemistry - other, environmental chemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, lanthanide probe sensor luminescence bioassay

Email Address Sci:

sci-pgr@lboro.ac.uk