About the Project
In this project we will develop new strategies to chemically modify peptides via late-stage, transition metal catalysed reactions. Peptides are an important modality in modern drug discovery, bridging the gap between traditional small molecule drugs and larger biologics. Strategies for late-stage diversification, where robust transformations are applied to fully synthesised, deprotected peptides, are particularly impactful on drug discovery – they allow large libraries of peptides to be…
generated in a single step, while greatly reducing the use of hazardous and environmentally damaging solvents.
This interdisciplinary project will build on our group's expertise in peptide and protein chemistry to develop conceptually unique approaches to address this challenge. With our industrial partner, Johnson & Johnson, we will target new strategies for both side-chain modification and peptide 'stapling' of therapeutic sequences. It is well suited to students with a strong background in synthetic chemistry or chemical biology, and an interest in developing new interdisciplinary skills.
Supervisory Team:
Dr Christopher Spicer (York Chemistry), Prof Ian Fairlamb (York Chemistry), Prof. Molly Stevens (Oxford Kavli Institute)
Key publications:
- Kleppen et al, Chem. Sci., 2026, 17, 11858-11864
- Barber et al, JACS Au, 2025, 5, 1983-1991
- Spicer et al, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2012, 134, 800-803.
Useful links:
Further information
The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Chemical Synthesis for a Healthy Planet (CSHP CDT) is a EPSRC-funded centre focused on training the next generation of synthetic chemists, developing a sustainable, innovative chemistry culture that equips students to address major emerging and future global challenges in Human Health, Energy & Materials, and Food Security.
We offer a fully-funded four year PhD programme, delivered jointly by the Universities of Oxford and York, comprised of taught courses and a substantive research project. Student cohorts will work together in a 4-month training period at both Oxford and York, before embarking on their main PhD projects. These substantive projects will be industry co-supervised, and based at either the Department of Chemistry in Oxford, or the Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence at York and the associated Department of Chemistry.
This PhD project will primarily be based at the University of York.
The first application deadline is 12 noon on the 13th November 2026. We will continue to receive applications following this deadline, however some of the projects may be filled following the assessment of the first round of applications. We therefore encourage you to submit your application early to ensure that your first choice project is available.
All project partners recognise the importance of equal participation, progression and success for all. We strive to provide a working, learning, social and living environment that will enable all our staff and students to contribute fully, to flourish and to excel - a place where we can ALL be ourselves.
The Department of Chemistry in York holds an Athena SWAN Gold Award, while the Department of Chemistry in Oxford holds a Silver Award. Both are committed to supporting equality and diversity for all staff and students. The Departments strive to provide a working environment which allows all staff and students to contribute fully, to flourish, and to excel; for more details, see: Equality and Diversity at York and Equality and Diversity at Oxford.
In particular, we recognise the importance of the equal participation of women at all levels in a subject that has traditionally been male-dominated. We also particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented across the partnership.
Eligibility Criteria
You must have, or expect to gain, a minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a subject relevant to the proposed PhD project (usually chemistry or chemical engineering, but please get in touch if you think your qualification may be relevant). Enthusiasm for research, the ability to think and work independently, excellent analytical skills and strong verbal and written communication skills are also essential requirements.
Check the entry requirements for your country.
English language requirements.
How to apply
Submit an online PhD in Chemistry application.
You will need to prepare the following information:
- 1000-word personal statement, focusing on your interest and experience in your proposed field of research
- Clearly state your 1-2-3 choice of substantive research projects chosen from our list at the end of your personal statement
- Transcripts detailing your university-level qualifications and marks to date
- Two Academic/Professional References: you will be required to submit contact details for 2 referees
- Complete the CSHP CDT Studentship: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Data Form (for York applicants only).
For more details on the application and selection processes, and for answers to general questions (i.e. funding eligibility, project allocation, etc.) please visit our how to apply and FAQs section or join us for our online open event.
Contact Details
Project-specific Dr Christopher Spicer, chris.spicer@york.ac.uk
General CDT enquiries: cshp-cdt@chem.ox.ac.uk or chem-env-pgr@york.ac.uk
Funding Notes
This project will be funded under the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Chemical Synthesis for a Healthy Planet (CSHP CDT). These CDT studentships provide 100% home fees, a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £21,805 (2026/27 UKRI rate), and a research training support grant of £20,000.
Candidates of any nationality are welcome to apply and up to 30% of EPSRC CDT studentships may be awarded to exceptional international students. Please note funding does not include visa costs or NHS surcharge for visa holders.
Not all projects will be funded; a limited number of strong candidates will be appointed via a competitive process