Fully-funded North West Cancer Research (NWCR) Centre PhD Studentship

The NWCR Centre comprises a network of research groups from across the north west of England who work on basic and translational aspects of cancer biology and treatment. We have considerable experience in providing high quality PhD training based on the exceptionally strong research expertise within the Centre. Visit the website here.

The following fully-funded PhD project will commence in October 2020:

Evaluation of short activating RNAs as novel therapeutic agents in liver cancer
Supervisor: Dr Ian Copple (University of Liverpool).
ian.copple@liverpool.ac.uk

Project description

Primary liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma; HCC) has a rising incidence, minimally effective treatment options and one of the highest cancer mortality rates. In this project, you will work with MiNa Therapeutics, leaders in the development and clinical application of short activating RNAs (saRNAs; see here for a review), to evaluate this emerging class of oligonucleotide drugs as novel means of supporting surgical resection, as well as evaluate their broader potential as anti-cancer therapeutic agents per se, in HCC. You will join a vibrant research group comprising four PhD students and three post-doctoral scientists. You will learn and use a range of in vitro and in vivo techniques, including preclinical imaging, to address the project objectives. You will also undertake a placement at MiNa Therapeutics’ laboratories in London to design and optimise saRNAs targeting genes of interest. This translational project brings together experts in saRNA design and validation, cancer biology and pharmacology with the aim of identifying a novel strategy for the treatment of HCC.

For informal enquiries about the project please contact Dr Ian Copple ian.copple@liverpool.ac.uk.

Funding and eligibility

The NWCR Centre will provide a three year studentship (currently starting at £19,000 per annum, tax free), course fees (home/EU rate), travel and research funds. Applicants must have (or be predicted to obtain) the equivalent of a first or upper second class degree in a relevant subject, and have laboratory or research experience (either as part of or outside of a university degree course). UK and EU students are eligible. All applicants must satisfy the appropriate University English language requirements (IELTS score of 6.5). You will be expected to work both in a team and independently, and develop expertise in new areas as required.

How to apply

Please send a covering letter, full CV and the names, addresses and telephone numbers of two referees to Debbie Horne, NWCR-UoL Centre Administrator horned@liverpool.ac.uk. Ideally, referees will be academic/industry lab heads that have direct experience of your research capabilities.

For general application/administrative enquires please contact Debbie Horne.

Closing date for applications: Midnight, Wednesday 18th December 2019.

Please note that interviews are scheduled for the week commencing 27 January 2020. Travel expenses for the interview will be covered by the NWCR Centre.

Please note that due to the large volume of applications received, it is not possible for acknowledgements to be provided for each application.