Doctoral position in MSCA Innovative Nucleic Acids Technologies Analysis, Detecti

School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering

Organisation/Company University of Southampton Department School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Research Field Chemistry » Organic chemistry Chemistry » Molecular chemistry Biological sciences » Other Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Final date to receive applications 27 Mar 2026 - 12:00 (Europe/London) Country United Kingdom Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Horizon Europe (other) Reference Number  Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

The University of Southampton, School of Chemistry, is inviting Doctoral Candidates to apply for an MSCA funded position within the Innovative Nucleic Acids Technologies for Analysis, Detection and Treatment - INT2

ACT Doctoral Network.

Dynamic combinatorial chemistry is emerging as a valuable tool in drug discovery, where suitable precursors are selected and amplified from a pool of interchanging molecules. The pool is based on the reversibility of selected chemical reactions, giving access to a large and diverse library from which the target template will select and amplify the best binder. This project extends dynamic combinatorial chemistry to oligonucleotides, creating libraries that respond to templating.

It involves synthesising tailored nucleoside analogues and developing analytical tools using mass spectrometry and spectroscopy. Applications include sequencing, sensing, and aptamer formation, enabling novel biotechnology systems through adaptive, reversible chemistries for selective molecular recognition.

A strong background in organic chemistry, and experience with nucleosides and enzyme chemistry is preferred.

Languages ENGLISH Level Good

Research Field Chemistry » Organic chemistry

Chemistry » Molecular chemistry

• A thorough scientific education in the frame of a doctoral training program.
• The possibility to participate in specific international courses, workshops and conferences.
• Strong involvement in a European research project with high international visibility.
• The possibility to perform research visits to internationally renowned research labs in Europe.
• A prestigious three-year MSCA Fellowship.

• Applicants can be of any nationality.
• Applicants must hold a MSc or equivalent in the field required for the vacancy.
• Applicants must be eligible to enrol on a PhD programme at the host institution and must not already hve a doctoral degree at the date of the recruitment. Researchers who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but who have not yet formally been awarded the doctoral degree will not be considered eligible.
• MSCA Mobility Rule: researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the host organisation for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date. Compulsory national service, short stays such as holidays, and time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status are not taken into account.