Towards new treatments for epilepsy – design and synthesis of new compounds targetting the AMPA glutamate receptor family

Applications are invited for a PhD studentship working with Dr. John Mike Southern in the School of Chemistry, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland. Together with collaborators, we will design, synthesize and assess novel compounds targeting epilepsy and other neurological conditions.

Epilepsy is a serious condition that results from a distortion of the usual balance of inhibitory and excitatory pathways within the brain and central nervous system. During an epileptic seizure, excitatory activity dominates and this is mediated by glutamatergic pathways i.e. those employing glutamate as the key neurotransmitter. Of particular significance are the AMPA family of glutamate receptors.

The project is based in the well-equipped Chemistry laboratories based in the Trinity Biosciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin and is part of an exciting, collaborative venture between the Schools of Chemistry and Physiology in Trinity College Dublin. The project involves the design, synthesis and assessment of new compounds targeting the AMPA family of glutamate receptors with the aim of controlling the over-excitation associated with epilepsy.

The position would suit a person interested in synthetic organic chemistry and medicinal chemistry.

Candidates must have, or expect to obtain, a 1^st Class BSc/MChem degree or a postgraduate Masters degree in chemistry, or a related subject. For applicants whose first language is not English suitable IELTS certification will be required.

The project is 4-year structured PhD programme with a tax-free stipend of €25,000.

Applicants should submit, electronically, a CV with the name of two academic referees and a cover letter to Dr. John Mike Southern, southerj@tcd.ie, informal enquiries can be made to the same address.