Synthesis of ambocidin and novel analogues

This is a unique opportunity to work at the interface of organic chemistry, peptide science, and antibiotic discovery, contributing to new treatments.

Project overview

Antimicrobial resistance to antibiotics is an urgent global health threat driven by overuse and the erosion of new therapeutics discovered by classical approaches. Ambocidins are a novel lipopeptide class of antibiotics with potent activity against drug-resistant Gram-positive pathogens, including MRSA and VRE. They retain activity where other last-line antibiotics fail. Ambocidins were recently discovered through a data-driven approach utilising genome sequencing and synthetic biology.¹

To support and complement this discovery programme, this PhD project will develop scalable synthetic routes to ambocidin and design new analogues to explore structure–activity relationships. It will also aim to improve pharmacological properties, including the use of prodrug and formulation strategies to optimise biophysical properties whilst retaining the desired activity. Where appropriate, design of experiments methodology will be used to accelerate the project. ²

This is a unique opportunity to work at the interface of organic chemistry, peptide science, and antibiotic discovery, contributing to urgently needed new treatments.

What you’ll do

Combine synthetic organic chemistry and solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) to construct ambocidin and novel analogues.
Design and execute multi-step syntheses, including macrocyclisation, orthogonal protection strategies, and lipidation.
Purify and characterise compounds using chromatography, NMR, and mass spectrometry.
Collaborate with biology partners for biological evaluation whilst contributing to the overall discovery programme.
Develop advanced skills in drug discovery, peptide chemistry, and medicinal chemistry.

Candidate profile

We are looking for a motivated candidate with:

A BSc (Hons) or MSc in organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, synthetic drug discovery, or related discipline.
Strong practical skills in synthetic organic chemistry and/or peptide chemistry (SPPS experience is advantageous)
A passion for laboratory research, problem-solving, and collaborative science.
Excellent record-keeping and attention to detail.
We especially welcome applications from Māori or Pacific candidates.

Why join us

Te Kāuru—Ferrier Research Institute (Ferrier) is a world-class team of experts in chemistry and biology.

We are a team of organic chemists and biochemists doing fundamental, applied and commercial research alongside graduate teaching and student supervision. We tackle a broad range of applied chemistry problems related to issues including our health and wellbeing and the sustainability of our environment. Our scientists have deep experience in synthetic carbohydrate and medicinal chemistry, synthetic and chemical biology, plant natural products and polysaccharide analysis.

Funding and eligibility

Stipend—NZ$35,000/year (tax-free) for 3 years + full tuition fees.
Eligibility—Open to New Zealand and international candidates (must reside in NZ for the duration of the project).
Entry requirements—A GPA of 7.5 or higher, First Class Honours or Master’s degree, and demonstration of English proficiency.
Must meet PhD admission criteria at Victoria University of Wellington.

How to apply

Email Dr Alison Daines at ferrierpgc@vuw.ac.nz with:

a cover letter outlining your interest and suitability
your CV and academic transcript
contact details for three referees.

_{1. Lai, H. E.; Woolner, V. H.; Little, R. F.; Woolly, E. F.; Keyzers, R. A.; Owen, J. G., Calcium-Dependent Lipopeptide Antibiotics against Drug-Resistant Pathogens Discovered via Host-Dependent Heterologous Expression of a Cloned Biosynthetic Gene Cluster. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024, 63 (48), e202410286.
2. Montgomery, D. C., Design and analysis of experiments. 10th ed.; Wiley: 2020.}