Dr Samuel T. Jones MChem, PhD

• PhD in Chemistry, University of Cambridge. 2013
• MChem in Chemistry, University of Warwick, 2009

Sam completed his masters in Chemistry (MChem with Professional Experience), from the University of Warwick, under the direction of Professor Stefan A. F. Bon in 2009. His work at the time focused on hydrogen bonding interactions for gold nanorod assembly. During his studies he also undertook a research project, at the University of Tasmania, in the group of Dr Adrian Blackman.

For his PhD, Sam moved to the University of Cambridge where he worked in the Melville Laboratory for Polymer Synthesis under Professor Oren A. Scherman. His PhD focused on the supramolecular assembly of nanomaterials via cucurbit[n]urils.

Upon completion of his PhD in 2013, Sam moved to the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) where he worked alongside Professor Francesco Stellacci. His research focused on the synthesis of novel virucidal materials and the synthesis of Janus nanoparticles for targeted delivery.

In 2017, Sam started his independent research career as a Dame Kathleen Ollerenshaw Fellow at the University of Manchester, becoming a lecturer in 2022. Sam joined the School of Chemistry at the University of Birmingham in July 2023 as an Assistant Professor.

Sam’s research interests build on his experiences to date in supramolecular chemistry, self-assembly and polymers. He now studies the ultimate self-assembled nanomaterial – viruses. His research group develop novel antivirals, associated assays and unique triggerable polymer delivery systems.

• Find a PhD - Developing the next generation of broad-spectrum antiviral polymers
• Find a PhD - Development of a DNA amplification-free assay for pathogen detection

Within the Jones Lab, there are two lab spaces; i) Chemical Lab space and ii) Class II Virology Lab. All members of the group are expected to be able to work across both labs.

Sam’s current research interests are centred on the development of novel biocompatible, broad-spectrum antivirals. A specific focus is on the development of polymeric antiviral systems, which have led to a recent patent and publications. Macrocyclic and other antivirals are also currently under investigation.

Through his work developing antivirals, it has become clear that there is an urgent need to develop improved assays and detection systems. Therefore, within the Jones Lab, there is also work on the development of novel assays, which includes the synthesis of dye/polymer composites and catalytic systems.

Sam has also recently been working on polymeric triggerable delivery systems for drugs and gene therapies. This work is on-going and forms the third main area of research within Sam’s group.

Previously Sam has worked on nanomaterials (including gold nanoparticles and gold nanrods), the supramolecular assembly of nanomaterials and polymers using cucurbiturils and on hydrogels. Much of this previous experience is still used in his current research.

• Committee member of MacroGroup UK
• Committee member of Recent Appointees in Polymer Science (RAPS)