Project Description

At the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, we have a keen interest in the design and synthesis of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) and advanced affinity polymers that are able to capture protein and protein-derived (i.e., peptide) biomarkers of disease, as well as other biomarkers of disease, from complex biological fluids for the purposes of disease diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring. The primary task of the Strathclyde group in MIPrecise is to design, synthesize, and characterize novel organic polymers that have affinity and selectivity for cancer biomarkers and to work collaboratively with MIPrecise partners on the exploitation of the new polymers that are developed. In respect of the very aggressive disease of small cell lung cancer (SCLC), we wish to build upon and extend very successful collaborative work with the University of Oslo through the development of unique affinity tools that fill a gap in biomarker specific assays for SCLC and facilitate remote sampling.

A range of polymer formats will be targeted, including MIPs in physical formats that are optimised for the enrichment of low abundant peptides in state-of-the-art, miniaturized chemical separations, magnetic formats for magnetic capture platforms and trap columns. DC11 will be engaged primarily on research lines where the affinity and selectivity of the polymers arises through synthetic methodologies other than template-directed synthesis. DC11 and DC3 will work alongside one another in the same research laboratory and work collaboratively with the other 11 MIPrecise DCs.

In addition to the extensive practical and theoretical training in polymer chemistry on offer at Strathclyde, and the hands-on training that will be delivered by MIPrecise partners through overseas secondments in academic and industrial environments, the Strathclyde DCs will be registered for and complete a Postgraduate Certificate in Researcher Professional Development (PG Cert RPD) at the same time as their PhD research studies. The PG Cert RPD is the first UK academic award to recognise and reward the transferable array of skills and experiences developed during PhD research; it provides a framework to plan and record the key competencies, achievements and behaviours of successful DCs.

Candidate requirements

We wish to appoint an outstanding, highly-motivated Doctoral Candidate who meets the global MSCA eligibility criteria and who will bring the following to Strathclyde: excellent Masters degree in Chemistry, or a closely-related subject, at a level no less that Upper Second Class; intellectual curiosity; problem-solving skills; skilled in preparative organic chemistry, with experience in synthetic polymer chemistry being preferred but not essential; passion and enthusiasm for polymer chemistry and materials science; outstanding communication and interpersonal skills; committed to outreach activities; honesty, reliability and integrity; time management skills. The working language at Strathclyde will be English, and evidence of proficiency in English must be provided at the time of application (normally, evidence of proficiency in the English language to level B1 (or better) of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is required for candidates to satisfy the University’s English language requirements.

To download the Further Particulars for DC11, which includes additional information on the person specification, rewards, benefits, etc., please select the “Please click here for further details” hyperlink that appears at https://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/DPJ919/marie-sklodowska-curie-dn-dc11-761758.

Other information

DC11 will be employed by the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow and be based in the Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry (Faculty of Science) at Strathclyde under the direct academic supervision of Professor Peter Cormack. DC11 will benefit from having experienced academic co-supervisors from the University of Oslo, intersectorial secondment supervisors selected from one of the MIPrecise industrial partners, as well as second academic supervisors in the Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry. DC11 is expected to be appointed in May 2026.

Supervisor information

Professor Peter Cormack
WestCHEM, Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry
University of Strathclyde
Thomas Graham Building
295 Cathedral Street
Glasgow, G1 1XL
Scotland, UK

https://www.strath.ac.uk/science/chemistry