Synthesis and design of new antimicrobial agents

About this project

Create novel drugs to combat drug-resistant bacteria 

If you are motivated to further your career in pharmaceutical science industry and keen to address problems around infectious diseases, the University of South Australia – Australia’s University of Enterprise – is offering a hands-on project-based PhD within Centre for Pharmaceutical Innovation (CPI). 

Multi-drug resistant bacteria-induced infectious disease is one of the main causes of death in our world today. We urgently need to develop antibacterial agents with novel structures, especially to combat multidrug-resistant bacteria living in biofilms. Biofilms are thought to account for nearly 80% of all human infections and bacteria growing in this environment are more resistant to antibiotics.  

A novel area of research involves creating cationic amphiphilic (contains both hydrophobic and hydrophilic parts) small molecules. In our recent research, we have been able to enhance antibacterial activity and biofilm inhibition, with reduced cytotoxicity and low haemolytic activity through careful combinations of key moieties.  

This project would build upon this by exploring how alternate combinations of different moieties alter antibacterial activity. This is a synthetic medicinal chemistry project and the aim is to develop photodynamic antimicrobial agents to selectively kill pathogenic bacteria and bacterial biofilms. Drugs that can elicit activity against bacterial biofilms would be critically useful in hospital settings.  

You will be part of a project that develops new drugs that can kill in stages. A first pass kill reduces the biofilm, exposing planktonic cells to an agent. A second pass kill, upon exposure to light, will remove even the most resistant of cells. This has significant potential in device treatment, antiseptics and disinfectant development.  

You will join the Centre for Pharmaceutical Innovation, which is a large research-intensive centre that fosters collegiality and offers a dynamic environment for HDRs. This project will take place in the dedicated synthetic chemistry laboratory, and you will have access to state-of-the art equipment, including microwave reactors, rotary evaporators, high vacuum lines, a 500 MHz NMR, a triple-TOF mass spectrometer and both a UV-Visible and fluoresce spectrophotometer.   

Engagement with the Community for Open Antimicrobial Drug Discovery (COADD), based at the University of Queensland which is the premier facility in Australia for new drug development, will provide you with valuable knowledge and experience that will position you well in the employment market. 

What you’ll do 

In this project-based research degree, you will design and synthesise new compounds. You will be mentored in how to design new synthetic routes using experimental techniques.  

There is potential to visit the co-supervisor at the University of Queensland to learn how the microbiology testing is conducted. We also anticipate that you will attend both a national and an international conference during your studies, where you will present your findings and results and interact and learn from experts in this field. 

Where you’ll be based

You will join the Centre for Pharmaceutical Innovation, which is a large research-intensive centre that fosters collegiality and offers a dynamic environment for HDRs. This project will take place in the dedicated synthetic chemistry laboratory, and you will have access to state-of-the art equipment, including microwave reactors, rotary evaporators, high vacuum lines, a 500 MHz NMR, a triple-TOF mass spectrometer and both a UV-Visible and fluoresce spectrophotometer.    

Engagement with the Community for Open Antimicrobial Drug Discovery (COADD), based at the University of Queensland which is the premier facility in Australia for new drug development, will provide you with valuable knowledge and experience that will position you well in the employment market. Financial Support 

This project is funded for reasonable research expenses.  Additionally, a living allowance scholarship of $32,500 per annum is available to Australian and New Zealand citizens, and permanent residents of Australia, including permanent humanitarian visa holders.  Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants will be eligible to receive an increased stipend rate of $46,653 per annum (2023 rates). A fee-offset or waiver for the standard term of the program is also included.  For full terms and benefits of the scholarship please refer to our scholarship information.
International applicants are not invited to apply at this time. 

Eligibility and Selection 

This project is open to applications from Australian or New Zealand citizens, and Australian permanent residents or permanent humanitarian visa holders. International applicants are not invited to apply at this time.

Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria for entrance into a PhD. Additionally, applicants must meet the projects selection criteria:  

• Knowledge and experience in synthetic organic chemistry is essential.
• The applicant should be familiar with standard organic chemistry techniques (e.g. setting up a reflux, running a column, separatory funnel purification).

Applicants who can also demonstrate the following will be highly regarded:

• Knowledge and experience analysing and running 1D NMR and mass spectrometry experiments.
• Experience in HPLC.

All applications that meet the eligibility and selection criteria will be considered for this project. A merit selection process will be used to determine the successful candidate. 

The successful applicant is expected to study full-time and to be based at our City West Campus  in the heart of Adelaide.

Essential Dates 

Applicants are expected to start in a timely fashion upon receipt of an offer.  Extended deferral periods are not available. Applications close on Wednesday, 27 September, 2023.