Supervisors:Professor Greg Hannon, Dr Richard Mair and Dr Dario Bressan
Deadline for application:4th November 2024
Course start date:1st October 2025
Overview
Prof Greg Hannon, Dr Richard Mair and Dr Dario Bressan wish to recruit a student to work on the project entitled: "Investigating the low-to-high grade glioma transition using spatial multi-omics".
This is a unique opportunity for PhD study in the world-leading Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute (CRUK CI), to start a research career in an environment committed to training outstanding cancer research scientists of the future.
The Institute's particular strengths are in genomics, computational biology and imaging; and significant research effort is currently devoted to cancers arising in the breast, pancreas, brain, and colon. Our Core Facilities provide researchers with access to state-of-the-art equipment, in-house expertise and training. Scientists at CRUK CI aim to understand the fundamental biology of cancer and translate these findings into the clinic to benefit patients.
There are around 100 postgraduate students at the Cambridge Institute, who play a vital and pivotal role in its continuing success. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive working environment that fosters intellectual curiosity and scientific excellence.
Project details
The student selected for this project will use some of these technologies (Serial Two-Photon Microscopy or STPT, Imaging Mass Cytometry, spatial transcriptomics, Mass Spectrometry Imaging) on Low and High-grade glioma samples in order to assess the molecular determinants of the low-to-high grade transition and to identify potential prognostic and diagnostic markers, as well as therapy targets, for this disease.
References/further reading
Georgopoulou, D. et al. Landscapes of cellular phenotypic diversity in breast cancer xenografts and their impact on drug response. Nature Communications 12, 1998 (2021). The dawn of spatial omics ' Science. . González-Solares, E. A. et al. Imaging and Molecular Annotation of Xenographs and Tumours (IMAXT): High throughput data and analysis infrastructure. Biological Imaging 3, e11 (2023). Low, J. C. M. et al. Deuterium Metabolic Imaging Differentiates Glioblastoma Metabolic Subtypes and Detects Early Response to Chemoradiotherapy. Cancer Res 84, 1996¿2008 (2024). Mair, R. et al. Metabolic Imaging Detects Low Levels of Glycolytic Activity That Vary with Levels of c-Myc Expression in Patient-Derived Xenograft Models of Glioblastoma. Cancer Res 78, 5408¿5418 (2018).
Preferred skills/knowledge
We are looking for a student with a bright and curious mind, the willingness to work hard in a highly collaborative environment, and excellent communications skills, paired with a keen interest in cancer biology and in the application of new technologies.
Previous experience and theoretical knowledge of cancer biology, biochemistry, cell biology and imaging/microscopy will be appreciated, but are not an absolute requirement.
Funding
This four-year studentship is funded by Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute and includes full funding for University fees and, in addition, a stipend currently of £21,000 per annum for four years.
Eligibility
We welcome applications from both UK and overseas students.
Applications are invited from recent graduates or final-year undergraduates who hold or expect to gain a First/Upper Second Class degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject from any recognised university worldwide.
Additional information
To complete your online application, you will need to answer/provide the following:
- Choice of project and supervisor
- Course-specific questions
You will be asked to give details of your Research Experience (up to 2,500 characters). Your Statement of Interest (up to 2,500 characters) should explain why you wish to be considered for the studentship and what qualities and experience you will bring to the role.
- Supporting documents
Applicants will be asked to provide:
Academic transcripts. Evidence of competence in English (if appropriate). Details of two academic referees. CV/resume.
Deadline
The closing date for applications is4th November 2024with interviews expected to take place in January 2025.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
