Preparing for the next pandemic: Design and Synthesis of Novel Broad-Spectrum Antivirals against SARS-CoV-2 and emerging viral threats

About the Project

The covid pandemic was a wake-up call for the need for novel anti-virals, preferably broad-spectrum, to potentially combat future pandemics, but to also better treat those with existing viral infections in both humans and animals. Many targets exist such as RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP), an essential viral enzyme that replicates RNA based off an RNA template, and non-structural protein 7, which drives viral genome replication. Such proteins have been widely studied and targeted in many viruses, and importantly, have a high sequence conservation between viruses, making them useful targets for broad-spectrum anti-virals.

The aim of this project is to design and synthesise novel inhibitors of such proteins based off in silico studies previously performed by industrial collaborators. The student will work as part of a team to design and synthesise such inhibitors within the group of assistant professor Luke Schembri, which will then be tested by colleagues in the labs of assistant professor Christopher Coleman.

We are interested to hear from strongly motivated candidates with a relevant MSc or BSc (2:1 minimum) degree (or equivalent) in chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences or similar, who have secured or intend to seek sponsorship or other independent means to cover fees, living and research expenses. Excellent written and oral English language skills are essential. Information on schemes for home / EU and international students is available on the University of Nottingham website. Projects will be hosted within the group of assistant professor Luke Schembri, Division of Biomolecular Sciences and Medicinal Chemistry, BioDiscovery Institute, under the School of Pharmacy (ranked 12th in World QS Rankings). You will be trained principally in synthetic and medicinal chemistry but opportunities may also exist to learn other techniques depending on the interests of the applicant. You will be a member of the vibrant School of Pharmacy postgraduate community benefiting from a diverse and stimulating research environment.

The University of Nottingham (ranked 97th in the 2026 QS world ranking) is a research-intensive university in the Russell Group, ranking 7th in the UK for Research Power (Research Excellence Framework 2021). 90% of our research is classed as "world-leading" (4*) or "internationally excellent" (3*) and our research collaborations and networks extend nationally and internationally.