ABRAR SAYAF
@abrarsayaf
Research chemist specializing in small-molecule synthesis and computer-aided drug discovery.
United KingdomWhat I'm looking for
I am a research-focused chemist combining small-molecule synthesis, natural-product chemistry and computational drug design to discover inhibitors targeting PHD2 and other therapeutically relevant proteins.
As a Research Fellow at the Chemistry Research Laboratories, University of Oxford and a PhD candidate at Universiti Sains Malaysia, I have led interdisciplinary projects integrating molecular docking, molecular dynamics, ADMET profiling and organic synthesis to advance novel HIF‑PHD2 inhibitor series.
I have supervised multiple undergraduate final-year projects, collaborated with international research groups, peer-reviewed for several journals, and contributed to numerous publications spanning drug discovery, natural products and computational pharmacology.
I look for opportunities where I can apply my expertise in synthesis and in silico methods to translational drug discovery within collaborative, data-driven research teams.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
Science and Technology Analyst
Phosphorix Limited
Jan 2025 - Present (9 months)
Provides scientific and technical analysis to support product and research initiatives, leveraging interdisciplinary expertise in chemistry and computational methods.
UMPhD Candidate (Chemistry)
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Jan 2022 - Present (3 years 9 months)
Pursuing PhD research on HIF prolyl hydroxylase (PHD) enzyme inhibitors, supervising final-year students and developing novel inhibitor series funded by FRGS to advance therapeutic strategies.
UOResearch Fellow
University of Oxford
Jan 2023 - Dec 2024 (1 year 11 months)
Conducted interdisciplinary research on PHD2 inhibitors combining natural product chemistry, organic synthesis, and computer-aided drug design; produced structural and mechanistic insights and contributed to multiple publications and collaborations.
Product Development Analyst
Shaheen Pharmaceutical
Jan 2020 - Dec 2022 (2 years 11 months)
Led R&D and product development efforts including Pd nanoparticle synthesis and catalysis for C–C coupling reactions, improving catalytic recyclability and synthetic workflows.
Lecturer in Chemistry
University of Swat
Jan 2014 - Dec 2020 (6 years 11 months)
Taught chemistry courses, supervised student research projects and final-year theses, and supported curriculum delivery across undergraduate programs.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
UMUniversiti Sains Malaysia
Doctor of Philosophy, Chemistry
2022 -
Activities and societies: FRGS-funded project on HIF-PHD2 inhibitors; supervised undergraduate theses; presented at international conferences.
PhD candidate in Chemistry researching inhibition studies of HIF prolyl hydroxylase domain (PHD) enzymes integrating synthesis, natural products, and molecular modelling.
UOUniversity of Oxford
Research Fellow, Chemistry
2023 - 2024
Activities and societies: Research on PHD2 inhibitors; collaboration with Schofield Group; supervised student projects; presentations at conferences.
Research Fellow at the Chemistry Research Laboratories, Department of Chemistry focusing on PHD2 inhibitor development and computational drug discovery approaches.
USUniversity of A Coruña (Universidade da Coruña) - International Summer School
Certificate, Material Sciences
2020 - 2020
Activities and societies: International Summer School participant; coursework in material sciences.
Participant in international summer school activities including material sciences coursework and related training.
AUAllama Iqbal Open University
Master of Education, Education
2016 - 2019
Activities and societies: Teaching and curriculum development activities; lecturing roles following graduation.
Completed Master of Education focusing on pedagogical skills for teaching mathematics and science.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Testing Board
Diploma, Safety
2013 - 2013
Activities and societies: Safety supervision training.
Completed a one-year Diploma course as Safety Supervisor.
AUAllama Iqbal Open University
Bachelor of Education, Education
2012 - 2014
Activities and societies: Engagement in teaching practice and school-based activities.
Completed Bachelor of Education preparing for teaching roles in chemistry and science.
Government Postgraduate Jahanzeb College (University of Swat)
Master of Science, Chemistry
2011 - 2014
Grade: University Distinction
Activities and societies: Thesis research; participation in national conferences and laboratory research.
Master of Science in Chemistry with university distinction; thesis on phytochemical screening of Debregeasia salicifolia.
Government Afzal Khan Lala Post Graduate College (University of Malakand)
Bachelor of Science, Science
2009 - 2011
Activities and societies: Undergraduate laboratory work and coursework in chemistry.
Completed Bachelor of Science with coursework in chemistry and related sciences.
Availability
Location
United KingdomAuthorized to work in
Job categories
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