Fluorescent chemical probes for imaging immune cells in the tumour microenvironment at University of Edinburgh on FindAPhD.com

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Prof M Vendrell, Dr Binzhi Qian Applications accepted all year round Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)

About the Project

• Background
Although cancer treatment has improved remarkably over the years, the cure rates for patients with metastasis and advanced tumours remain low due to lack of appropriate therapies. Recent studies suggest that immunotherapies, which empower specific groups of immune cells, are promising approaches for intractable tumours. In order to find the right immunotherapy for every patient and to monitor the progression of treatment over time, we need technologies that can measure the activity of immune cells in tumours. The project aims to prepare activatable fluorophores as a new family of chemical tools to visualise in detail how immune cells behave in tumours. By imaging, from the molecular level to human tissue, the response to immunotherapies in real time we aim to create new opportunities in the personalised management of cancer.

• About the Project
This is an interdisciplinary project -supported by an ERC Consolidator Grant- at the interface of organic chemistry, immunology and imaging. Candidates are expected to have solid background in at least one of these areas and a strong interest in being trained as a multidisciplinary researcher. The main aims of the project are the synthesis, characterization and biological evaluation of new fluorescent probes to image immune cell activity in preclinical models of cancer disease. The applicant will be directly supervised by Marc Vendrell (chemical biology) and Binzhi Qian (tumour biology).

The Vendrell research group is located in the University of Edinburgh / MRC Centre for Inflammation Research; a world-class research environment at the interface between biological and medical science, with multidisciplinary groups focused on inflammation, cancer and repair. The Centre is based within the Edinburgh Medical School in the outstanding facilities of the Queen’s Medical Research Institute at the site of the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh hospital, maximising future translational opportunities.

Funding Notes

The successful applicant (UK/EU student) will be awarded a 3-year studentship, which includes the stipend and tuition fees (at the UK/EU rate).

The studentship will be awarded competitively. Applicants should hold or expect a First or High Second class degree in a relevant discipline (eg organic chemistry, immunology, biology). Applicants should submit the following documents to [Email Address Removed]: (i) Personal statement about their research interests and their reasons for applying; and (ii) CV.

References

Applicants should also arrange for two academic referees, who may submit letters of reference via email upon request.

Where will I study?

University of Edinburgh

One of the world''s top universities, consistently ranked in the world top 50 and placed 20th in the QS World University Rankings 2020. We provide a stimulating working, learning and teaching environment with access to excellent facilities and attract the world''s best, from Nobel Prize winning laureates to future explorers, pioneers and inventors.

Fluorescent chemical probes for imaging immune cells in the tumour microenvironment

University of Edinburgh College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine