Dr Rachael Makgae
School of Science, Engineering & Environment
Current positions
Lecturer
Biography
I am a Lecturer in Biomedicine at the University of Salford, with a research and teaching portfolio that spans medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, molecular biology, and translational medicine. My academic journey has taken me across two countries—South Africa and the United Kingdom—and over a decade of study and practice in interdisciplinary science.
I began my academic training at Rhodes University (South Africa), where I completed a BSc in Chemistry and Pure & Applied Mathematics in 2014, followed by a BSc (Hons) in Medicinal Chemistry in 2015. My honours work focused on solid-state NMR and XRD analysis of group II and III metal nitrides, igniting my interest in analytical and structural chemistry.
In 2017, I earned a Master of Science by Research in Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry from the University of the Witwatersrand, supported by the National Research Foundation (NRF) and the University's Postgraduate Merit Award. My MSc research explored novel platinum-based anticancer drug candidates using acylthiourea ligands, with a focus on improving solubility through sulphobutyl-ether-β-cyclodextrin complexation. This research resulted in a publication and national conference presentations.
Between 2017 and 2021, I undertook a fully funded PhD at the University of Manchester, supported through an industry–academic collaboration between Aspen Pharmacare and NRF South Africa. My doctoral research focused on the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of novel antimalarial drug leads targeting Plasmodium falciparum, with work spanning in vitro assays, in vivo models, drug synergy analysis, and structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies.
In 2021, I was awarded a British Heart Foundation Postdoctoral Research Fellowship to develop stereochemically defined beta-blocker analogues for treating cardiac arrhythmias at the University of Manchester. This project involved both synthetic chemistry and pharmacological testing. Following this, I was granted a Global Talent status, endorsed by The Royal Society, in recognition of my contribution to drug discovery and translational research.
I joined the University of Salford as a Teaching Fellow in December 2021 and was promoted to Lecturer in Biomedicine in February 2023. In the same year, I completed my Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice and became a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA).
I currently lead postgraduate programmes within the MSc Bioscience suite.
Areas of Research
My research focuses on the discovery and development of new therapeutic agents for malaria and cancer, with a strong emphasis on translational application. I work at the interface of rational drug design, synthetic and analytical chemistry, and biological screening.
I am currently accepting PhD students and welcome proposals in the following areas:
Design, synthesis, and evaluation of novel antimalarial compounds
Repurposing of FDA-approved drugs with antiplasmodial activity
Investigation and screening of medicinal plants traditionally used for antimalarial therapy, integrating natural products chemistry and pharmacology
Repurposing of FDA-approved drugs as potential anticancer agents
My supervision approach is interdisciplinary and applied, with a strong commitment to supporting international and industry-engaged research ambitions.
Areas of Supervision
My research focuses on the discovery and development of new therapeutic agents for malaria and cancer, with a strong emphasis on translational application. I work at the interface of rational drug design, synthetic and analytical chemistry, and biological screening.
I am currently accepting PhD students and welcome proposals in the following areas:
*Design, synthesis, and evaluation of novel antimalarial compounds
*Repurposing of FDA-approved drugs with antiplasmodial activity
*Investigation and screening of medicinal plants traditionally used for antimalarial therapy, integrating natural products chemistry and pharmacology
*Repurposing of FDA-approved drugs as potential anticancer agents.
My supervision approach is interdisciplinary and applied, with a strong commitment to supporting international and industry-engaged research ambitions.
At the heart of my teaching and programme leadership is a commitment to education that is inclusive, purposeful, and prepares students for real-world scientific and professional challenges.
As Programme Leader for the MSc Bioscience Suite—covering Biomedical Science, Biotechnology, and Drug Design & Discovery—I lead with a focus on academic quality, student experience, and curriculum relevance. I aim to create programmes that are responsive to both research and industry developments, while also supporting students to develop as confident, capable professionals.
I currently lead three postgraduate modules: Advances in Drug Analysis and Design, Natural Products Identification, and Postgraduate Scholarship Skills. These modules draw directly on my research and are designed to provide students with strong foundations in applied bioscience and drug development.
In 2022, I established the Masters Society (MSoc) to support our diverse postgraduate community beyond the curriculum. MSoc offers peer mentoring, skills workshops, and employer-facing events. It has helped foster academic confidence, build community, and improve engagement—particularly for international students.
As Student EDI Lead for the School, I contribute to initiatives that focus on inclusive practice and equitable outcomes, with particular attention to supporting progression and sense of belonging across all student groups.
Qualifications
-
Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Science