Computational/Experimental studies of biological molecules and computer-aided drug design

Institution:

University of Edinburgh

Dept/School/Faculty:

School of Chemistry

PhD Supervisor:

Dr J Michel

Application Deadline:

Applications accepted all year round

Funding Availability:

Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)

Applications will be considered until the position is filled. 

We develop and use computer simulation methods to study the interactions of organic and biological molecules that are of pharmaceutical relevance. Our aims are to advance understanding of the physical principles of molecular recognition to the level where biological processes, such as protein-ligand association, can be quantitatively predicted and engineered. 

We develop computer-aided drug design methods inspired by computationally intensive detailed molecular simulations. We use high-performance computing resources to improve on the state-of-the art and yet maintain a throughput compatible with the fast pace of pre-clinical drug discovery. We test our computational methods through collaborations with chemical biology, organic & medicinal chemistry, structural biology & molecular biophysics groups. 

To reach our goals, we often develop our own software. Our work is relevant to pre-clinical drug discovery and we interact regularly with industrial scientists. Students in the group receive training in computational chemistry, biophysics, computer programming, chemical biology, drug design. This set of skills will prepare well the students for a future career in academia or the industry. 

We welcome applicants from a wide range of backgrounds (Chemistry, Biology, Physics). The ideal applicant will have a keen interest in drug design, knowledge of physical chemistry or biophysics, wet-lab ( biophysics/structural biology) and/or dry-lab experience (computer programming). Depending on the background and interests of the successful candidate, there is some flexibility within the project. 

For further information, please visit http://www.julienmichel.net/ 

We are based at EastChem, the University of Edinburgh. EastChem has an international reputation of excellence in teaching and research and was ranked number 1 (power ranking) in the UK in the 2008 RAE. 

Examples of current projects: 

* Development and application of new computational methods to characterize the thermodynamics of protein/ligand interactions. 

* Development and application of new computational methods to support structure-based drug design at protein interfaces. 

To apply please send a cover letter, CV and contact details for two professional references atjulien.michel@ed.ac.uk

Funding Notes:

Please note, that owing to funding restrictions, only UK/EU citizens are eligible. Non-EU candidates are not eligible for funding. Applicants should have a minimum of a 2.1 degree at Honours level or 2.2 for a Masters (or equivalent for EU applicants).

References:

For a list of recent publications, please visit http://www.julienmichel.net/lab/