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  B cell responses during tumour development


   Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences

   Applications accepted all year round  Self-Funded PhD Students Only

About the Project

The body remains free of infections and disease due to the cascade of actions of the cells and organs of our immune system.

During tumour development, tumours induce changes within the local environment and in downstream locations, such as the lymph nodes.

Recent research has highlighted chemical, structural and functional disruptions within the tumour-draining lymph node. These have been correlated with immune tolerance and immune protective environments.

Whitin this project, the candidate will use current in silico, in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo techniques to characterise lymph node alterations and identify specific B cell signalling changes, either related to activation or differentiation, that enable tumour progression. The student will use models of melanoma and breast cancer to determine tumour-specific and/or pan-tumour effects. They also be using current immune-checkpoint therapies to determine the extent of lymph node recovery during tumour regression caused by the treatment.

 In addition to undertaking cutting edge research, students are also registered for the Postgraduate Certificate in Researcher Development (PGCert), which is a supplementary qualification that develops a student’s skills, networks and career prospects. 

Information about the host department can be found by visiting: 

https://www.strath.ac.uk/science/strathclydeinstituteofpharmacybiomedicalsciences/ 

https://www.strath.ac.uk/science/strathclydeinstituteofpharmacybiomedicalsciences/studywithus-postgraduate/phd/ 

The University of Strathclyde is a socially progressive institution that strives to ensure equality of opportunity and celebrates the diversity of its student and staff community. Strathclyde is people-oriented and collaborative, offering a supportive and flexible working culture with a deep commitment to our equality, diversity and inclusion charters, initiatives, groups and networks. 

We strongly encourage applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnicity, women, LGBT+, and disabled candidates and candidates from lower socio-economic groups and care-experienced backgrounds. 

Requirements:

Applicants should have a minimum of a UK Upper Second (2:1) undergraduate degree or equivalent, in Biological Sciences, Immunology or a strongly related discipline. Applicants will also need to meet the University’s English Language requirements.

Biological Sciences (4)

Funding Notes

The project is a self-funded opportunity available to both Home/EU and International students. Applicants must have access to funding to cover tuition fees, living costs and any related project costs (i.e. bench fees).

Register your interest for this project