PhD Studentship: Developing New Chelate Scaffolds for Binding Radiofluorine and Radiometals – Towards Combined Theragnostic Agents for Imaging and Therapy in Medicine

Supervisory Team: Professor Gill Reid & Dr Richard Knoghton 

Project Description:

Developing new chelate scaffolds for binding radiofluorine and radiometals – towards combined theragnostic agents for imaging and therapy in medicine 

Applications are invited from suitably qualified and motivated candidates for an EPSRC CASE PhD studentship based in Chemistry at the University of Southampton, in collaboration with partners at GE Healthcare. The project focusses on development of new metal complexes for radiofluorination for potential applications as next generation medical imaging agents via positron emission tomography (PET) – an important and widely used medical imaging technique used in hospitals and clinics for detection of diseases such as cancers.

This project is at the coordination chemistry/radiochemistry interface and the successful applicant will have the opportunity to develop skills in the synthesis and characterisation of metal fluoride complexes with macrocyclic co-ligands as possible PET tracer candidates, as well as to use GE Healthcare’s facilities at St Thomas’ Hospital (London) to develop efficient methods for their radiofluorination (with the fluorine-18 isotope), purification and stability testing. The potential of the compounds for incorporating radiometals will also be explored.

The successful candidate will join a well-established research activity in Chemistry at Southampton and will have access to state-of-the art facilities for the synthesis and characterisation of inorganic coordination complexes. Applicants should hold or be about to hold a 1st class or 2:1 degree in Chemistry or a closely related subject and have a keen interest in both the synthetic and radiochemical aspects of the project. Research experience in molecular inorganic chemistry/coordination chemistry and inert atmosphere techniques would be advantageous.

Full funding for this project is available for 42 months, sponsored by EPSRC and GE Healthcare. Please note that due to funding restrictions this position is open to UK candidates only. The student will be supervised by Professor Gill Reid and Dr Richard Knighton.

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Professor Gill Reid, Email: [email protected]  

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent). 

Closing Date : 31 August 2024. Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified. 

Funding: We offer a range of funding opportunities including Bursaries and Scholarships. For more information please visit PhD Scholarships | Doctoral College | University of Southampton . Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered. 

How To Apply

Apply online: HERE Select programme type (Research), 2024/25, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, next page select “PhD Chemistry (Full time)”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor Prof Gill Reid.

Applications should include:

Research Proposal

Curriculum Vitae

Two reference letters

Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date 

For further information please contact: [email protected]