Our MC4DD Doctoral Candidate (DC) profiles are coming soon!

DC1 Madhusudhan Shivaswamy
In the Hausch lab, my project is aimed at synthesizing macrocycles containing rigid heterocycle-based linkers for the FK506-binding protein 51, a promising drug target for depression, obesity and chronic pain. The aim is to show how linkerology in macrocycles can be used to deliver improved molecules for difficult-to-drug protein targets.
I have obtained a master's degree in chemistry from the University of Mysore - one of the oldest universities in India. My fascination with organic synthesis grew during the natural product synthesis course, which inspired me to pursue a career as an organic chemist. I have gained several years of experience in discovery chemistry with leading Indian pharmaceutical CRO's such as Syngene and Aurigene, where I had an opportunity to work in  various challenging synthetic chemistry areas, while collaborating with companies like Merck and Amgen.
I am excited to be part of MC4DD program and expand my knowledge in fields beyond organic synthesis. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, meditating, and listening to classical music.

DC2 Agness Ingvarsson
My project will focus on designing novel nonpeptidic macrocycles incorporating polar linker side chains, specifically introducing hydroxyl- and fluorine-containing linkers. The aim is to explore new intramolecular interactions as well as potential molecular chameleonicity. Ultimately, the goal is to enhance the ADME properties of these macrocycles.
I come from Gothenburg, on the Westcoast of Sweden - locally known as the "best-coast." I earned my master’s degree in organic and medicinal chemistry from the University of Gothenburg. During my academic journey, I specialized in chemical methodologies, applying them to synthesize molecules of interest. I have always been fascinated by biochemistry, particularly by the diverse interactions that can occur within organisms. Following my master's degree, I joined AstraZeneca in Gothenburg as part of their two-year graduate program. This program provided me with the unique opportunity to work on diverse projects, including peptide conjugation, biocatalysis, and oligonucleotides, based on my interests through three exciting rotations. I’m excited to be a part of this MC4DD network to join forces with other disciplines, aiming to gain a comprehensive understanding of drug discovery and address the gaps in our knowledge about macrocycles. When I’m not doing science, I maintain an active lifestyle through bouldering and running, with an aspirational goal of completing a marathon, if I stay injury-free. I enjoy hiking, especially if it involves a hotdog BBQ or a sweet treat, and I also have a passion for baking, particularly sourdough bread.

DC3 Alessandro Oliva
The goal of my project is to develop both classification and regression machine learning models to predict the cell permeability of macrocycles. In parallel, I aim to explore, through both experimental and computational approaches, the extent to which macrocycles exhibit ‘molecular chameleon’ behavior: the ability to dynamically adapt their three-dimensional conformation in response to their chemical environment. This property is particularly significant, as it enables macrocycles, which often possess excellent pharmacodynamic profiles, to also acquire favorable pharmacokinetic characteristics, thereby broadening their therapeutic potential.
I have a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology and a master’s degree in Biotechnological and Chemical Sciences in Diagnostics with a focus on Organic Chemistry and Molecular Biology from University of Torino. The goal of my Master thesis was to apply a computational simulative technique to study the Chameleonic behavior of PROTAC-1 that is a potential anticancer drug candidate that could degrade its protein target.
The reason why I have decided to apply for this position was to deepen my knowledge not only experimentally so to been able to know new techniques but also deepen my theoretical understanding in the field of Organic and Medicinal chemistry. By the end of this project, By the end of this project, I hope to gain a more comprehensive grasp of drug mechanisms and learn how to tailor chemical properties to enhance drug delivery and optimize biological activity. In my free time, I enjoy continuing to study, staying active through sports, and exploring new places through travel.

DC4 Yang Hu
The research of DC4 focuses on developing an NMR-based algorithm that integrates both isotropic (NOE, J-coupling) and anisotropic (RDC, RCSA, and PCS) NMR methods to accurately characterize conformational ensembles of macrocycles. At the same time, the researcher needs to establish a computational workflow that combines experimental NMR data with conformational sampling and order matrix analysis, using cross-validation to improve the accuracy of macrocycle conformer identification.
I received my Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy from China Pharmaceutical University and my Master's degree in Biochemistry from the Technical University of Berlin. During a one-year internship at FMP Berlin, I had the opportunity to complete my Master's thesis and explore various NMR techniques. This experience sparked my strong interest in using NMR to study drug molecules. I've also worked in different pharmaceutical companies. These experiences gave me a broader perspective on the medicine development process. In my free time, I enjoy reading detective stories and comics. I also love playing PC games, especially when I need to relax. To me, analysing NMR spectra feels like solving a mystery--each spectrum is a clue, and I enjoy piecing them together to reveal the full picture. In the future, I hope to learn even more analytical methods and apply them in my research.

DC5 Thalita Cirino
I’ve always been curious about how things work — whether molecules, minds, or societies.
After completing my Bachelor's in Chemistry in Brazil, I pursued a Master's in Chemoinformatics through a double-degree program between the University of Milan and the University of Strasbourg. My master's internship in Germany, where I developed machine learning models to predict molecular properties, confirmed my love for this interdisciplinary field, and gave me the perfect foundation for my current PhD research. Beyond academia, I’m drawn to questions — sometimes too many, as my PI might say. Small talk isn’t my forte, but I thrive on conversations about society, philosophy, and the human condition. (In high school, I scored higher in philosophy than in chemistry — a fact that still feels telling). When I’m not buried in research, you’ll likely find me reading fiction, diving into psychology and anthropology, or debating these topics over a pint at the bar. I also love learning languages — I’m currently on my fourth (Italian, after Portuguese, English, and French) — because every new language feels like unlocking another way to see the world

DC6 Quishi Feng
This project will map and describe macrocycle (MC) chemical space. It will use different pools of descriptors, obtained in WP3 and WP4, to classify MC groups and regions suitable for drug development. The researchers will analyse the space using chemoinformatic methods and create visual tools to share results with industry partners. The project is expected to establish a general approach for recommending areas for synthetic exploration and identifying regions to obtain new MCs with favourable drug-like profiles.
I obtained my Bachelor's degree in Pharmaceutical Science at Sichuan University in China and my Master's degree in Pharmaceutical Modelling Programme at Uppsala University, Sweden. My scientific interests are: Computational Medicinal Chemistry, Cheminformatics and AI Drug Discovery. My enthusiasm towards chemical and biological science started when I found a yellowed book older than me, One Two Three... Infinity by George Gamow, in my grandfather's bookshelf. Followed by this, I chose pharmaceutical science as my major in undergraduate studies but quickly discovered that doing lab experiments is not my piece of cake. Especially after hot THF solvent decided to give me an impromptu facial, I thought I probably needed to switch tracks. And that's why I'm now doing chemistry experiments on my computer. When I'm not in the lab, I love cooking traditional Sichuan food, the cuisine from my hometown. I think I could have made a living running a Sichuan restaurant if I weren't becoming a chemist. When I turn on the stove, it reminds me of doing chemistry experiments in the lab. But at least, I don't have to worry about THF again when I cook Huiguorou (Twice-cooked pork) in the kitchen.

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DC7 Luca Hagemeyer
The aim of my project is to determine the solution ensembles of different large macrocyclic molecules in different environments . Advanced NMR techniques, like generating NOE build-ups and acquiring residual dipolar couplings, will be employed to determine distances within the molecules. Computational methods will generate theoretical conformational pools, which will be used to identify solution conformers and their populations.
I am a pharmacist with  specialization in organic chemistry. I am currently pursuing a PhD at Uppsala University, where my research focuses on the determination of solution ensembles of large cell-permeable macrocyclic peptides. This work is at the forefront of developing new methods for understanding complex biological systems. I completed a third state examination in pharmacy at the University of Münster. My academic path has been marked by significant scientific achievements, including a research semester at Nagoya University in Japan, where I worked on the design, synthesis and biological testing of partially water-soluble tetrabutylperylene- 3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylate derivatives. My other milestones include an internship at Roche Diagnostics GmbH, where I worked in process analytics for the large-scale synthesis of small molecules and peptides, and also an internship in public pharmacy, where I was able to further develop my skills in the pharmaceutical field. Over the next few years, I would like to contribute to the elucidation of previously poorly understood behavior of large molecules in the body and I believe that this knowledge will help to develop faster, more efficient and target specific bioorally available drug. In addition to my research and professional endeavors, I spend most of my free time outdoors, where I can pursue my passion for triathlon. If I'm not in the lab, there's a good chance that I got lost in the forest again.

 DC8 Yuliia Bezvuhliak
Driven by a deep fascination for the complexity of molecules and their applications in medicine, I pursued a diverse and international education in chemistry. Originally trained at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, where I earned both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in the chemistry of natural compounds, I built a strong foundation in organic synthesis, heterocyclic chemistry, and medicinal applications.
In 2023, I joined Université Paul Sabatier (UT3) in Toulouse as an Erasmus+ student, and later continued in the Master Chimie Santé programme. It was during this time that I developed a strong interest in drug discovery and catalysis. My research, carried out at the CNRS Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry (LCC), which focused on the alkylation of C3 in oxindoles using chiral iridium complexes—an approach with promising applications in asymmetric synthesis.
Outside the lab, I enjoy blending creativity with science, whether through designing visuals or exploring new scientific software. I  have presented my work at conferences such as “Chemistry and Cancer” and continue to build expertise in both practical and theoretical aspects of chemistry.

DC9 Gianluca Turco
This project aims to pioneer the synthesis of massive libraries of macrocyclic compounds, built upon low-peptidic scaffolds optimized for combinatorial assembly and straightforward decoding via tandem mass spectrometry.  My project aspires to accelerate the discovery of next-generation drug candidates with real translational potential.
I have always been an extremely curious person, and this innate curiosity has drawn me toward science from a very young age. Over time, my fascination increasingly gravitated toward chemistry, which led me to enroll in a high school focused on chemical sciences. There, I had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the laboratory from the very beginning, nurturing my passion for the various branches of chemistry, particularly medicinal chemistry. Motivated by this growing interest, I chose to pursue a degree in pharmaceutical sciences at university. The experiences I encountered throughout my academic journey played a pivotal role in shaping my professional decisions following graduation. A turning point for me was my year abroad at the University of Granada, in Spain. It was there that I discovered how deeply stimulating and inspiring the academic environment could be: the dynamic nature of university life, the continuous interaction with students, the opportunities to travel and the chance to constantly engage with individuals who share a passion for research. All of these elements greatly reinforced my motivation to pursue an academic career. I later carried out my master’s thesis research at the Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) in Saarbrücken, Germany.  I am truly grateful to have the opportunity to be part of this project. It allows me not only to continue exploring the areas of research that captivate me the most but also to continually satisfy my insatiable sense of curiosity.

DC10 Dominik Busse-Côté
My project consists of developing a novel, late-stage functionalization toolbox of photochemical and electrochemical reactions for the synthesis of macrocycles - especially for the macrocyclization step, and for their derivatization.
I graduated in chemistry at the University of Strasbourg and decided to follow my interest in molecular chemistry and more precisely green chemistry. During my master thesis at the IRCELYON public research center in Lyon, France, I worked in the development of bifunctional Zn catalysts for the green transformation of styrene oxide into cyclic styrene carbonates involving CO2. My contribution was rewarded with the publication of a scientific paper in the Molecular Catalysis Journal (Mol. Catal. 2024, 113746). Thereafter, I worked for two and a half years as a research associate for a Contract Research Organization (CRO) specialized in process and medicinal chemistry in Basel, Switzerland. During that time, I had the opportunity to improve my experimental and theoretical skills in organic synthesis and develop a problem-solving mindset, efficient working methods and resilience. With a growing desire to take-on more work-related responsibilities in the field of medicinal chemistry, joining the MC4DD PhD program was instrumental and I am thrilled to contribute to the drug discovery world.
Beyond my scientific background, I see myself as a down-to-earth and pragmatic person who gets along well with others. I enjoy playing football and staying active through various sports, as well as spending time with friends. I’m also naturally curious and eager to learn, whether through traveling, meeting new people, or exploring new experiences.

DC11 Anna Guadagni
My PhD project focuses on expanding the druggable space by identifying novel macrocyclic inhibitors of disease-relevant protein–RNA interactions, a challenging but promising target for drug discovery. Combining biochemical and biophysical assays with structure–activity relationship studies, our aims is to identify and optimize inhibitors with enhanced potency, selectivity, and drug-like properties.
Always being passionate about science, I hold a Master’s degree in Medicinal Chemistry from the University of Naples "Federico II", where I also worked as a research fellow focusing on the design and synthesis epigenetic and epitranscriptomic modulators. This experience deepened my passion for synthetic organic chemistry and its role in drug discovery. Outside the lab, I enjoy traveling, exploring new cultures, and spending time in nature. I see this PhD as an opportunity to grow, tackle new challenges, and contribute to pushing the boundaries of science.

DC12 Elif Özalp
I’m excited to explore how structural and physicochemical factors impact brain penetration in macrocyclic compounds within the MC4DD project. My work will involve testing a variety of macrocyclic compounds, analyzing their properties and collaborating on NMR studies. Ultimately, I aim to define the key properties that make macrocycles effective at crossing the blood-brain barrier.
I’m from Turkey, and curiosity has always been my driving force—whether it was asking "why" or exploring the complexities of human nature. This passion led me to study Molecular Biology and Genetics, and later, Immunology during my master’s degree, where I honed my skills in both in vitro and in vivo research.
Now, as a PhD student in the MC4DD project, I’m excited to merge my curiosity with purpose, working on research that could, one day, make a difference in healthcare. I love tackling molecular challenges and finding joy in the process of discovery.
Outside the lab, you’ll find me cycling in nature, reading novels, experimenting with new recipes, or having thoughtful conversations. I’m always eager to learn and grow, guided by my heart, curiosity, and a bit of caffeine.

DC13 Florian Handel
As part of the LPPT lab at EPFL, I work on the synthesis of large and diverse libraries of macrocyclic peptides. My goal is to identify novel therapeutics for challenging biological targets. I’m particularly interested in advancing combinatorial strategies to efficiently access highly diverse macrocycles at the nanomole scale. Additionally, I am developing methods to reduce the number of H-bond donors which enhances drug-like properties of peptides.
I hold a dual master’s degree in chemistry from the University of Stuttgart (Germany) and Queen’s University (Canada), with a focus on synthetic organic and medicinal chemistry. During my master’s thesis with Prof. Cathleen Crudden, I explored functionalization strategies for gold nanoclusters to improve their properties in biomedical applications. Prior to starting my PhD, I joined the drug discovery department at AbbVie as an intern, where I discovered my passion for medicinal chemistry and developed an ongoing sidequest to find the perfect solvent. Today, I have strong interest in the intersection of chemistry and biology, particularly for the design of novel therapeutic modalities that have the potential to change lives.
Outside of the lab, I like hiking, calisthenics and cooking but I had to learn the hard way that some "reactions" in the kitchen are better left unexplored. Learning French is my current challenge, and it has already improved my ability to communicate within the Swiss-French environment. When time allows, I love to travel and discover new places, preferably ones with coffee available. As part of the MC4DD network, I am excited to collaborate with talented researchers and contribute to groundbreaking advancements in drug discovery.

DC14 Eva Hermann
My research project aims to characterize the structure-permeability relationship of selected peptidic and non-peptidic macrocycles using extensive molecular dynamics (MD) simulations across different environments. Based on the performed MD simulations, the project seeks to develop novel conformation-and environment-dependent 3D-descriptors, which will subsequently be used to refine machine learning models for permeability prediction of macrocycles.
My academic journey started in the beautiful city of Konstanz, Germany, with its lake and splendid view of the Alpes. During school, I discovered my passion for natural sciences while mentoring students in molecular biology, which inspired me to pursue my bachelor's and later my master's in Life Science at the University of Konstanz. That is also where I started playing Ultimate Frisbee, which alongside with playing the flute, reading, cooking, and spending time with friends, is now one of my favorite leisure activities. My Life Science studies allowed me to delve into plenty of fascinating topics in biology as well as chemistry. However, it was during my master's that I found what most sparks my interest: addressing scientific questions through computational methods, with a focus on medicine-related subjects.
Therefore, I am thrilled to now have the opportunity to do my PhD in the computational chemistry group at ETH in Zürich while being part of the MC4DD network. Besides, of course, the great environment that this provides for me to flourish and grow professionally, I feel fortunate to live in Zürich now – a city that, much like Konstanz, offers the proximity of a lake for swimming and brings me even closer to the mountains for hiking.

DC15 Britta Schulze
As a doctoral candidate at Roche, my focus will be on several scientific tasks related to the ADME properties of MCs. I will be responsible for performing the Parallel Artificial Membrane Permeability Assay (PAMPA) and I will conduct analytical investigations to measure the Experimental Polar Surface Area (EPSA) of the MCs. The data generated from these assays, along with other descriptors, will be used to build machine learning models aimed at predicting the permeability of the MCs. Furthermore, my in-vitro data will help create more suitable MCs in WP1 and WP2. My data will also contribute to finding new 3D descriptors that are conformation- and environment-dependent, such as those describing the propensity to form intramolecular interactions and molecular chameleonicity. The novel 3D descriptors will then be used to improve the models for predicting cell permeability of MCs.
I hold a bachelor's and a master's degree in Molecular Biotechnology, with a focus on pharmaceutical development and computational research. Especially my master's program sparked an interest in computational research, leading to an internship where I developed a virtual screening technique to extend a hit library of small molecules for a protein target. My thesis focused on modulating the protein complex of the secretase ADAM10 with its regulatory binding partner TSPAN15. It involved building a virtual screening for a small molecule library that could bind to specific pockets in the complex and then screening the library in the lab. I integrated the in vitro results with in silico research for a deeper understanding of the mechanisms involved.
Fascinated by these combinatorial approaches, I was drawn to the open position in the MC4DD consortium at Roche, where I can continue this journey, delve deeper into machine learning, and build a broader foundation in physiochemical research of small molecules. I am driven by the creation of pharmaceutical products that improve patients' health and I am eager to contribute to the investigation of MCs as new potential products.

DC 16 Andrej Zarkic
My project will explore the use of novel cascade ring expansion methods to prepare macrocycles with skeletal diversity. For this purpose, precursors with suitable starting functional groups to prepare macrocycles containing, e.g. lactone, lactam, amine and aza heterocyclic motifs, will be synthesized. Furthermore, exploration of various cascade ring expansion and cyclization conditions will result in a versatile platform for synthesis of high-quality cell-permeable macrocycle libraries with improved properties.
My scientific background is in organic and medicinal chemistry. After obtaining my master’s degree in chemistry from Nottingham Trent University, I returned to my beautiful home country of Croatia to work as a synthetic organic and medicinal chemist. During my three years in industry, I realized that drug discovery amazes me, especially falling in love with the world of macrocycles. This became the reason why I applied for the MC4DD project. I strongly believe that exploring the macrocyclic universe (and its unusual properties) can bring improvements in our everday lives, and I want to contribute to it.
Appart from that, in my free time you can find me exploring a new cooking recipe (never enough new reaction exploration for me!) or binging my new favourite TV series. I am a quite social and outgoing person that is always up for a cup of coffee or a good beer. I do enjoy both watching and playing sports as well (if you need a player for your football team you can always count me in – however I do have a bad knee). Besides chemistry, my second biggest love is Formula 1 – I will never miss a race (un)fortunately. Being a scientist can be challenging, both mentally and physically, so I always aim to keep a positive work-life balance. I consider myself as a very methodical, organised, leave-no-stone-unturned, thinking out-of-box and sometimes overly obsessed type of a researcher, so these traits will come handy in my future endeavors. "...so these traits will come handy in my future endeavors to continue the macrocycle legacy of Croatian scientists."

DC17 Lianju ZhangMy project focuses on the solid-phase synthesis of low-peptidic macrocycles (MCs) with constrained and functionalised scaffolds. I will apply a multiply orthogonal protecting group strategy to introduce conformational constraints and unique side-chain linkages. This method enables the efficient incorporation of pre-assembled protected scaffolds into MCs using established macrocyclisation techniques, while also eliminating the need for high-dilution conditions.
I was born in a small city in Inner Mongolia, China. Growing up surrounded by grasslands and forests, I developed a love for exploring nature. Along the way, I picked up some early “medical insights” - like how alcohol can disinfect a scraped knee, or how bitter pills can help with a fever. I suppose that’s where my interest in pharmacy first began. During my undergraduate studies, I was exposed to both medical and pharmaceutical sciences. I came to realise how little we actually know. With constantly evolving viruses and bacteria, the need for new drugs is more urgent than ever. This motivated me to pursue a Master’s degree in Medicinal Chemistry at the Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences. My thesis was titled “Synthesis and modification of macrocyclic oxime compounds against H1N1 virus.”
The deeper I delve into science, the more I’m struck by how small we are in the face of nature’s complexity. Yet within that vastness, peptides—with their endless possible combinations—offer incredible potential for treating human diseases. That promise is one of the main reasons I chose this research path.
If you can’t find me in the lab, don’t expect to catch me at home either — I’m probably out walking and exploring, just like I used to in Shanghai. Not because I’ve sworn off London’s expensive transport system (though it certainly adds up), but because walking lets me slow down and take in the small details — the things that give a city its soul and make it feel vibrant and  alive.