Funded PhD: Greener synthesis of peptide active pharmaceutical ingredients

The present project aims to develop a novel approach to solid phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) circumventing the use of reagents (including TFA and coupling reagents) and solvents which do not currently satisfy green chemistry requisites. For example, according to this approach, aqueous solvents replace DMF or NMP.

  • Principal investigator(s) Prof. Marc Devocelle
  • Research theme Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Peptide APIs now have a compound annual growth rate on a par with traditional low molecular weight drugs (9-10%). With nearly 100 peptide drugs 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 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.

This PhD research is involving a collaborative project jointly funded by a world-leading research centre and a leading pharmaceutical company. The project will be supervised by RCSI and the pharmaceutical company.

The successful candidate will be appointed on a joint academic-industry project with significant objectives in the therapeutic, economic and sustainability areas. They will work closely throughout the PhD period with the principal investigator and benefit from mentoring by the supervisory team, including feedback from representatives of a leading pharmaceutical company. They will join a community of PhD researchers in state-of-the-art facilities and the dynamic city of Dublin.

Funding: Research Ireland (SFI) - Industry – co-funded collaborative research

Tenure: Four years

Start date: 1 October 2025

Specification

Minimum requirements

  • MSc (lower second class 2.2 honours degree, or equivalent) in chemistry with good experience in organic synthesis.

Desirable candidate specifications

  • Strong practical skills in synthetic (organic) and analytical chemistry.
  • Structured and organised work with strong attention to detail.
  • Strong ability to work and communicate in a multi-sectoral team.
  • Experience in solid phase (peptide) synthesis.

Application process

Please apply for the research project through the link below.

Applications must include:

Apply now

Application deadline: 15 August 2025

Shortlisting: 1 September 2025

Interviews: 15 September 2025

Please note

  • It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure the application form is completed in full and on time – late and/or incomplete applications will not normally be assessed.
  • Unfortunately, we are unable to provide individual feedback to applicants.
  • Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview (applicants may attend a virtual interview, although in-person is preferred)
  • At this stage only successful candidates will be contacted to submit, CV, transcripts and other relevant documentation.
  • Only their referees will also be contacted at this stage for a reference.