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Organisation/Company Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Research Field Chemistry Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Leading Researcher (R4) First Stage Researcher (R1) Established Researcher (R3) Country Ireland Application Deadline 14 Aug 2025 - 22:00 (UTC) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 1 Oct 2025 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description
Peptides are one of the fastest-growing classes of new drugs. With nearly 100 peptide APIs on the market currently, over 150 peptides in clinical development and between 400 to 600 other ones in preclinical phase, the sales of peptide-based drugs are expected to surpass $68 billion by 2028.
Having molecular weights comprised between 1,000 and 5,000 Da, peptide APIs can be synthesised, with Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis (SPPS) the preferred method. However, it has been recognised that a greener process for peptide APIs is a critical unmet need (American Chemical Society Green Chemistry Institute Pharmaceutical Roundtable 2016). For example, SPPS is generally relying on N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), solvents classified as substances of very high concern (SVHC) under REACh EU regulations since 2007, restrictions applying on the use of the former solvent since December 2023. SPPS also commonly uses trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), a chemical listed among the Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), chemical contaminants of emerging concern, with environmental concentrations of TFA being the highest among PFAS.
The present project aims to develop a novel, sustainable, approach to SPPS circumventing the use of reagents (including TFA and coupling reagents) and solvents which do not currently satisfy green chemistry requisites. The objectives of the project are to synthesise peptides from suitably protected and activated amino acids, using water as the main solvent for the entire sequence assembly.
Qualification: MSc in Chemistry with good experience in organic synthesis.
The successful candidate should ideally possess the following profile:
Strong practical skills in synthetic (organic) and analytical chemistry
Structured and organized work with strong attention to details
Strong ability to work and communicate in a multi-sectoral team
Experience in solid phase (peptide) synthesis would be an advantage but is not a requisite.
Key Responsibilities:
To implement the research programme aiming to develop a SPPS approach which allows the synthesis of peptides in aqueous media and with green reagents.
To attend and participate in research and training activities within the RCSI School of Postgraduate Studies and SSPC
To present the project results at regular project meetings at RCSI, SSPC and with a leading pharmaceutical company
To submit a PhD thesis
To be involved in departmental and group activities.
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