The development of second-generation DECR1 inhibitors to treat late-stage prostate cancer

About the project 

Help develop new treatment methods for prostate cancer 

If you are excited about a career in chemistry and eager to advance therapies to treat prostate cancer, the University of South Australia – Australia’s University of Enterprise – is offering a hands-on project-based PhD within the Centre for Pharmaceutical Innovation (CPI).

Prostate cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer in males worldwide. Current therapeutic options are not optimal, with poor survival rates in advanced cancer patients and more than 300,000 deaths per year.

The role of lipid metabolism plays a central role in prostate cancer pathogenesis. Our team has identified a key enzyme (DECR1) in fatty acid oxidation, which is a critical biological process for prostate cancer proliferation.

We have already designed and synthesised more than 80 novel molecules that exhibit potent DECR1 and anticancer activity against prostate cancer. Our aim is to use this foundation to design a second-generation library of molecules that offer greater potency and improved toxicity profiles.

You will be based within CPI, which has a well-established national and international collaborative network which can be readily accessed for support. This is a multidisciplinary project, focused directly on a novel therapeutic outcome to address the mortality rate in prostate cancer. The expertise you develop in this area will give you a competitive edge in the field.

The research will be performed in an organic chemistry lab and you will become adept at standard organic chemistry techniques, NMR, mass spectrometry, HPLC, and IR. You will also have the opportunity to learn skills in computational chemistry, biochemistry, and cell biology.

What you’ll do

In this project-based research degree, you will participate in a traditional medicinal chemistry study,  where you will take part in all relevant subject areas to achieve an effective DECR1 inhibitor.

You will become proficient in drug design, computational chemistry, organic chemical synthesis, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, and cell biology techniques.

You will learn how to interpret biological activity data and use this to feed into a structure-activity-relationship to expedite the hit-to-lead drug discovery pathway.

On completion, you will have broad skillset in the chemistry, biochemistry, and biology fields. We will also support and encourage you to attend national and international conferences to present your work and prepare and publish peer-reviewed publications.  

There is also an opportunity to undertake a placement at Trinity College (Dublin, Ireland) to learn critical cell biology and in vivo experiments.

Where you’ll be based

You will be based in the CPI. We are known for innovation, impact, and exceptional education and we have a clear vision to become an internationally recognised pharmaceutical research enterprise. We want to deliver better medicines and prepare future pharmaceutical leaders to expertly respond to real-world needs.

It is our mission to transform medical possibilities into clinical realities. This is achieved through high quality education and efficacious industry collaboration. We partner with Australian and international organisations, research groups, government agencies and professional associations to deliver next-generation pharmaceutical solutions. Financial Support 

This project is funded for reasonable research expenses. Additionally, a living allowance scholarship of $35,200 per annum is available to Australian and New Zealand citizens, and permanent residents of Australia, including permanent humanitarian visa holders. Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants will be eligible to receive an increased stipend rate of $52,352 per annum (2025 rate). A fee-offset or waiver for the standard term of the program is also included. For full terms and benefits of the scholarship please refer to our scholarship information. International applicants are not invited to apply at this time.

Eligibility and Selection

This project is open to applications from Australian or New Zealand citizens, and Australian permanent residents or permanent humanitarian visa holders. International applicants are not invited to apply at this time.

Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria for entrance into a PhD. 

Additionally, applicants must meet the project selection criteria: 

• A sound understanding of organic chemistry and strong synthetic chemistry laboratory skills. 
• Ability to use and interpret data generated from analytical chemistry equipment typically used in synthetic chemistry programs (i.e NMR, mass spectrometry, HPLC). 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

All applications that meet the eligibility and selection criteria will be considered for this project. A merit selection process will be used to determine the successful candidate.

The successful applicant is expected to study full-time and to be based at our City West campus in the heart of Adelaide. 

Essential Dates 

Applicants are expected to start in a timely fashion upon receipt of an offer. Extended deferral periods are not available. Applications close on Thursday, 5 June, 2025.