
themitchellgroup
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Mitchell Group
peptide chemistry | synthetic chemistry | chemical biology
Based in the School of Chemistry, University of Nottingham, the group's research activities focus on the development of new bioconjugation methodology. Current projects include the exploration of photocatalytic, biocatalytic, and electrochemical methods for the site-selective modification of peptides and proteins.

Selected Publications
Smith, F. R., Meehan, D., Griffiths, R. C., Knowles, H., Zhang, P., Williams, H. E. L., Wilson, A. J., Mitchell, N. J.; Peptide Macrocyclisation via Intramolecular Interception of Visible-Light-Mediated Desulfurisation; Chem. Sci.; 2024; 15; 9612-9619
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Lee, J. C., Cuthbertson, J. D., Mitchell, N. J.; Chemoselective Late-Stage Functionalization of Peptides via Photocatalytic C2-Alkylation of Tryptophan; Org. Lett.; 2023; 23; 5459-5464
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Bombana, A., Shanmugam, M., Collison, D., Kibler, A. J., Newton, G. N., Jager, C. M., Croft, A. K., Morra, S., Mitchell, N. J.; Application of a Synthetic Ferredoxin-Inspired [4Fe4S]-Peptide Maquette as the Redox Partner for an [FeFe]-Hydrogenase; ChemBioChem; 2023; 24; e202300250
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Griffiths, R. C., Smith, F. R., Li, D., Wyatt, J., Rogers, D. M., Long, J. E., Cusin, L. M. L., Tighe, P. J., Layfield, R., Hirst, J. D., Muller, M. M., Mitchell, N. J.; Cysteine-Selective Modification of Peptides and Proteins via Desulfurative C-C Bond Formation; Chem. Eur. J.; 2023; 29; e202202503
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Griffiths, R. C., Smith, F. R., Long, J. E., Scott, D., Williams, H. E. L., Oldham, N. J., Layfield, R., Mitchell, N. J.; Site-Selective Installation of N-Epsilon-Modified Sidechains into Peptide and Protein Scaffolds via Visible-Light-Mediated Desulfurative C-C Bond Formation; Angew. Chem. Int. Ed.; 2022; 61; e202110223
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Griffiths, R. C., Smith, F. R., Long, J. E., Williams, H. E. L., Layfield, R., Mitchell, N. J.; Site-Selective Modification of Peptides and Proteins via Interception of Free Radical-Mediated Dechalcogenation; Angew. Chem. Int. Ed.; 2020; 59; 23659-23667
Opportunities
​ *** PhD positions available in machine learning, and synthetic/chemoenzymatic chemistry ***
We have 3x 48-month PhD studentships available through our EPSRC-funded CDT in Resilient Chemistry (School of Chemistry, University of Nottingham), focusing on: Next-generation sustainable synthesis of peptide and oligonucleotide therapeutics.
Projects include:
(1) AI-directed evolution of solid-phase and liquid-phase peptide and oligonucleotide synthesis
(2) Next-generation chemoenzymatic peptide and oligonucleotide synthesis
(3) Late-stage functionalisation and macrocyclisation of peptides therapeutics
Apply here: https://reschem-nottingham-cdt.ac.uk/apply/
Deadline: 2nd Jan. 2026 (for Oct. 2026 start)
Contact us
School of Chemistry
University of Nottingham
University Park
Nottingham
NG7 2RD
UK
nicholas.mitchell@nottingham.ac.uk
+44 (0)115 748 7065





