Mathematical Modelling of Cancer Cell Migration

This 4-year Crick PhD studentship is offered in Dr Paul Bates’s Biomolecular Modelling Group Group based at the Cancer Research UK London Research Institute (LRI). The successful applicant will join the Crick PhD Programme in September 2015.

Cell migration is critical for normal development and physiology. Further the acquisition of invasive cancer cell behaviour enables metastasis, which is the major cause of mortality in cancer patients. There remains much to learn about the mechanism and guidance of cancer cell motility. The Biomolecular Modelling Laboratory has formed a collaboration with Erik Sahai’s Tumour Cell Biology Laboratory to model cancer cell motility. To date an agent-based/finite element model has been constructed to interpret the effects of biochemical interventions targeted to reduce cancer cell migration [1]. A similar methodology was previously employed by us to investigate the intrinsic properties and dependencies of developing blood vasculature within pathological environments [2]. We now intend to extend our mathematical model, and accompanying computer software, to take account of more cancer associated pathways [3] and their perturbation due to cancer mutations [4]. Moreover, the model will be extended to model the movement of small clusters of cancer cells as they migrate thorough the surrounding extracellular matrix. We will address a number of fundamental questions pertinent to cell migration and cancer metastasis: for example, how individual, or small groups of cancer cells, sense their surroundings and select a path to take from topologically distinct branching points, and within variable chemotactic gradients.
The work undertaken by the student will be computational and require a broad-based set of computational skills. This project will be a close collaboration with the Tumour Cell Biology laboratory which uses a range of cell biology, imaging and micro-fabrication techniques. The student will be expected to become familiar with interpreting cell biology data and providing input into the design of new experiments. However, the student will not be expected to perform any ‘wet-lab’ techniques. While it is not expected that applicants will have all the necessary computational skills they should be knowledgeable in at least one of the following fields of study: Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Bioinformatics and/or Computer Programing. This is just one example of the sort of project that might be available in this research group. The precise project will be decided on in consultation with the supervisor.

Talented and motivated students passionate about doing research are invited to apply for this PhD position. Students who join the 2015 Crick PhD Programme, will start their PhDs at the LRI in September 2015, will register for their PhD at one of the Crick partner universities (Imperial College London, King's College London or University College London), and will transfer into the Crick with their research group in early 2016.

Applicants should hold or expect to gain a first/upper second-class honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject and have appropriate research experience as part of, or outside of, a university degree course and/or a Masters degree in a relevant subject.
APPLICATIONS MUST BE MADE ONLINE VIA OUR WEBSITE BY 5PM GMT NOVEMBER 12TH 2014. APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED IN ANY OTHER FORMAT.
http://www.london-research-institute.org.uk/phd/