1. Michael Philip Dickens
49 Walker Rd, Newcastle upon Tyne. NE6 1RL.
07533196542 - michaeldickens@live.co.uk
A highly successful PhD student with excellent laboratory skills in the synthesis and characterisation of novel
medicinal chemistry compounds. Highly motivated, determined and productive research scientist used to
working under pressure either independently on my own initiative or as part of a team. I am now seeking to
further develop my career in scientific research based in the lab.
PhD
Reactivation of p53 Function by Small Molecule Inhibitors of Mdm2 E3 Ubiquitin Ligase Activity
University of Nottingham September 2006-Present
A medicinal chemistry PhD in pharmacy, supported by Cancer Research UK, in collaboration with the
Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Glasgow. I was responsible for the selection, synthesis and
characterisation of novel compounds to act as potential inhibitors as a possible anti-cancer therapy.
The PhD involved; working in an organic chemistry research laboratory, synthesising novel compounds,
using scientific equipment, identifying compounds synthesised, using literature search software to find
information and presenting work to colleagues and supervisors.
Achievements
• Synthesised over 150 compounds with 90 being novel final compounds.
• Established a clear and logical structure activity relationship between inhibitor activity and structure.
• Successful lead optimization phase producing a new lead compound 30 times more potent than the
previous identified lead.
• Proposed hypothesis of the inhibitor mode of action, which could, using computer modelling lead to the
discovery of new classes of inhibitors.
• Provided the foundation for additional studies by other scientists with continued external funding.
• Awarded a prize at the University of Nottingham Graduate School Poster Day 2009 for the quality and
enthusiasm of verbal presentation of PhD work to a non-scientific audience. I went onto represent the
University at the Vitae Midlands Hub Regional Poster Competition 2009.
Skills
• Experienced in; organic synthesis, automated column chromatography, microwave reactors, NMR, IR and
mass spectroscopy equipment, light, temperature and air sensitive synthesis, vacuum lines and HPLC.
• Expertise in using 1H, 13C, DEPT and COSY NMR as well as IR and mass spectroscopy to identify organic
compounds synthesised.
• Competent at using literature search software, like Web of Knowledge, Sci-finder and Crossfire, to obtain
research papers and implementing their findings and methods to reactions and research.
• Advanced understanding in; medicinal chemistry, organic synthesis, analogue batch synthesis, organic
compound characterisation, microwave chemistry, cancer biology and analytical HPLC.
• Fully complied with Health and Safety regulations in the lab and acted as laboratory safety monitor
responsible for general safety in the lab and quarterly safety inspections.
• Skilled at communicating scientific work in the form of presentations, posters and written reports.
I attended many training courses throughout my PhD study with the most rewarding being the Royal Society
of Chemistry: Medicinal Chemistry Course 2009. A week long course, with tutorials, looking at all aspects of
the drug discovery process from high throughput screening and computer modelling to the legal viewpoint of
patients and dosage form design.
Masters in Chemistry 2.1
University of Leicester September 2002-June 2006
A Masters Degree developing research techniques, laboratory practice, problem solving, team work, decision
making and working efficiently in groups. Dissertation involved 5 months of laboratory work for a research
group, synthesising novel organic compounds as potential selective CDK4 inhibitors as a possible anti-
cancer therapy.
2. Outside of studying; I was a representative on the chemistry departmental staff-student committee where I
liaised between fellow students and staff to ensure communication between both parties and a volunteer
mentor at a local school where I acted as a non judgemental adult to two teenage boys.
Publications
Dickens M., et al. Small-molecule inhibitors of MDM2 as new anticancer therapeutics. Seminars in Cancer
Biology (2009), article in press. doi:10.1016/j.semcancer.2009.10.003
Aubry, C., et al. Fascaplysin-inspired diindolyls as selective inhibitors of CDK4/cyclin D1. Bioorganic &
Medicinal Chemistry, 2009. 17(16): p. 6073-6084
Work Experience
Bar Staff & Crew
River Escapes May 2010-Present
Working on pleasure boats for a variety of different events whilst traveling on the River Tyne. Bar work
involved taking drinks orders, serving drinks, cash handling, mental arithmetic, use of a till and cleaning. The
responsibilities as crew were to know the emergency procedures for each boat, the location of safety
equipment and guaranteeing the safety of passengers whilst on board. For both roles I had to be
presentable, polite and sociable to passengers.
Shop Assistant
British Heart Foundation May 2010-Present
Volunteer position, working on the shop floor for a local furniture charity shop. I was responsible for advising
customers about goods, the delivery service and about the charity. Gaining valuable experience of dealing
with customers.
Laboratory Teaching Assistant
University of Nottingham September 2007-October 2009
Managed undergraduate pharmacy students in chemistry laboratory sessions once a week, on a part time
basis. I was responsible for explaining practical work to the students, the students’ health and safety, time
management, marking the work and answering questions relating to the practical work and scientific field.
Volunteer
Headway - the brain injury association September 2008-October 2009
Carried out paperwork and transported stock donations to charity shops. I volunteered as a race marshal, for
the charity at the 2008 Robin Hood Marathon, responsible for safety of runners and pedestrians and was a
deputy senior marshal for the same event in 2009 with the added responsibility of managing 8 volunteers.
Education
A Levels: Biology (B), Chemistry (B), Maths (C) AS Level: Physics (C)
Bedford School September 2000-June 2002
GCSEs: 9 (A-C grade)
Rushmoor School September 1998-June 2000
Activities and Interests
I am a keen rugby player, currently playing for Wallsend rugby union club. At my previous club, I was a
general member of the committee, taking minutes of meetings and was responsible for representing the
views of players. I also took on the role of recruitment officer and social secretary which involved arranging
many social events. I also enjoy running, swimming, walking, watching sport, photography and travelling.
Qualifications Societies (Current Membership)
PADI open water scuba diver Associate Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry
PADI advanced open water diver Member of the British Association of Cancer Research
Full UK Driving Licence Member of the European Association of Cancer Research
Referees
PhD Supervisor River Escapes Personnel Manager
Prof Peter Fischer Jill Fozard
Centre of Biomolecular Sciences Unit B2
University of Nottingham Whitehouse Farm Centre
Nottingham Northumberland
NG7 2RD NE61 6AW
0115 846 6242 0167 078 5777
