Precision Dual-Target Drug Discovery for Haematological Malignancies

About the Project

Treatment of blood cancers, such as acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), remains a major challenge clinically. Often these malignancies respond well to therapy but then develop resistance to these medicines, most commonly as a consequence of drug target modulation or divergence to other molecular pathways for their survival. This means new strategies are needed to target multiple cancer survival pathways simultaneously.

Two approaches which have shown significant therapeutic promise against leukaemia’s are targeting the Bcl-2 protein, which the malignancy uses to prevent cell death, and the histone deacetylase (HDAC) enzymes, which epigenetically regulate protein expression. Unfortunately, treatment resistance often develops when each pathway is targeted independently. However, we know there is beneficial crosstalk between these two pathways, with inhibition of HDACs sensitising leukaemia to drugs targeting the Bcl-2 protein, with subsequent significant potential for exquisite synergistic effects. In this context, this PhD project will develop a new class of anti-cancer compounds that combines targeting of these two therapeutic pathways within a single molecule. The aim being to create more effective therapies against haematological malignancies which circumvent the potential for resistance and improve treatment outcomes.

A key innovation is the use of continuous-flow chemistry, an advanced drug synthesis technology that enables safer, faster and more efficient production of complex molecules compared with traditional laboratory methods. The student will design and synthesise new compounds using flow chemistry, guided by computational modelling to predict how molecules interact with both targets.

The biological activity of compounds will be tested using biochemical assays and cellular models of AML and CLL, examining effects on gene regulation, apoptosis induction and cancer cell survival. By comparing dual inhibitors with single-target drugs and combination therapy, the project will determine whether coordinated dual targeting offers therapeutic advantages.

The student will gain interdisciplinary training spanning medicinal chemistry, computational modelling and cancer pharmacology, providing a strong foundation for careers in academic research, pharmaceutical drug discovery or translational biomedical science.

Funding

Students who have, or are expecting to attain, at least an upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject, are invited to apply. Funding is available for Home (UK) students to cover tuition fees, a tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate (indicative amount in year 1 in 2026-27, £21,805) and research costs, for four years. Applicants normally required to cover International fees will have to cover the difference between the Home and the International tuition fee rates. There is no additional funding available to cover NHS Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) costs, visa costs, flights etc.

Funding for this studentship is awarded on a competitive basis and is not guaranteed; availability will depend on the outcome of the selection process and subject to final approval by the University.

HOW TO APPLY

Please complete the following application form – Google Form

Applicants can only apply for 1 project; any additional applications will not be accepted.

Applicants should send the following documents to FMSstudentships@newcastle.ac.uk:

• a CV (including contact details of at least two academic (or other relevant) referees).
• a Cover letter – stating your project choice, as well as including additional information you feel is pertinent to your application.
• copies of your relevant undergraduate degree transcripts and certificates.
• a copy of your IELTS or TOEFL English language certificate (where required)
• a copy of your passport (photo page).

A GUIDE TO THE FORMAT REQUIRED FOR THE APPLICATION DOCUMENTS IS AVAILABLE

Please submit your documents in the following format only:

• each document should be submitted as a separate attachment and should be named as follows: candidate surname, candidate name – document type. For example: Jones, Jamie – CV; Jones, Jamie – cover letter.
• Please submit .pdf documents where possible for your CV, cover letter, transcripts and certificates. Do not submit photos of certificates.
• Do not combine documents into one pdf. You may zip separate documents into a zip file to send via email if required.
• When emailing your application, please use the email subject header: FMS PhD Application 2026

Applications not meeting these criteria may be rejected.

Informal enquiries may be made to the lead supervisor of the project you are interested in.

The deadline for all applications is 12 noon BST (UK time) on Wednesday 20th May 2026.