Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health

The University of Manchester

  (MCRC Non-clinical) Mapping CD8+ T cell infiltration and activity in the glioblastoma tumour microenvironment

  , , ,  Friday, November 15, 2024  Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)

About the Project

Glioblastoma is the most common type of malignant brain tumour.  They are highly aggressive tumours and are generally incurable, with a mean survival time following diagnosis of only 12-18 months.  Glioblastomas are viewed as cold tumours with limited T cell infiltration, but positive correlations have been identified between the number of proliferative CD8+ T cells within glioblastoma tumours and survival duration, indicating T cells can contribute towards tumour control. Nevertheless, T cell focussed immunotherapies effective in other tumour-types (such as anti-PDL1 treatment) have been largely ineffective in glioblastoma, for reasons that we still do not fully understand. As such, new treatments for glioblastoma are urgently needed. In this project, the student will investigate the pathways that influence T cell infiltration, compartmentalisation and activity within glioblastoma tumours.  The student will work on an interdisciplinary programme of work where they will utilise cutting-edge high-dimensional imaging approaches combined with transcriptional profiling to analyse the location and phenotype of CD8+ T cell populations within the heterogeneous human glioblastoma tumour microenvironment (both within primary and recurrent tumours) and to interrogate the different neoplastic and immune cell populations that CD8+ T cell populations interact with within the tumour.  The student will complement these studies with detailed mechanistic investigations using established and translationally relevant in vivo models of glioblastoma to understand the spatial and cellular features that repress T cell protective activities within the tumour microenvironment.  This will include analyses of how cancer immunotherapies remodel the glioblastoma tumour landscape to influence CD8+ T cell infiltration, compartmentalisation, cellular communication and functionality within the tumour.   Collectively, the project will provide training in cutting edge neuro-oncology methodologies and technologies, and will generate new insights into how to target T cell responses to treat glioblastoma.  

Eligibility 

You should also hold, or about to obtain, a minimum Upper Second Class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in a relevant discipline. A related master’s degree would be an advantage. 

International applicants (including EU nationals) must ensure they meet the academic eligibility criteria (including English language) before contacting potential supervisors to express an interest in their project. Eligibility information can be found on the University's Country Specific information page. 

Before you Apply 

Applicants must make direct contact with preferred supervisors before applying. It is your responsibility to make arrangements to meet with potential supervisors, prior to submitting a formal online application.  

How to Apply 

For information on how to apply for this project, please visit the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health Doctoral Academy website. On the online application form select MCRC PhD Programme. 

Your application form must be accompanied by a number of supporting documents by the advertised deadlines. Without all the required documents submitted at the time of application, your application will not be processed and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.  If you have any queries regarding making an application, please contact our admissions team.  

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion  

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. The full Equality, diversity and inclusion statement can be found on the website. 

Applications Timeline 

Applications open: 11 October 2024 

Application deadline: 15 November 2024 

Interviews: 17th January 2025 

Start date: September 2025 

Biological Sciences (4)

Funding Notes

MCRC - CRUK Manchester Cancer Research Centre Studentship funding is for a duration of four years to commence in September 2025 and covers UK tuition fees and an annual stipend. Funding will cover UK tuition fees and stipend only.   

 

International Candidates 

We are able to offer a limited number of bursaries to high-performing EU and international candidates, covering PhD fees only. Bursaries do not include financial support for visa/health surcharges. We asses each EU and international candidate's suitability for a bursary at the application and interview stages. 


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Where will I study?

Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health

Tackle real world challenges, make a difference, and elevate your career with postgraduate research in the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health at Manchester. From biochemistry to neuroscience, cancer sciences to medicine, audiology to mental health and everything in between, we offer a wide range of postgraduate research projects, programmes and funding which will allow you to immerse yourself in an area of research you’re passionate about.

Why study at Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health?

Ranked the best place to live in the UK (The Economist Global Liveability Index, 2022), Manchester boasts world-class culture, iconic sports, a thriving music and food scene, and much more. It's not just a place to research, it's a place to call home.

Experience PhD life as part of a diverse postgraduate research community of more than 1,000 postgraduate researchers at the 29th most international university in the world (Times Higher Education, 2023).

With 93% of research activity at the University rated as 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent' (Research Excellence Framework, 2021), you'll get the chance to have an impact on global health and science challenges.

1000+

postgraduate students

220

PhDs

6

ranked in UK - QS (2025)

Manchester  United Kingdom

main campus

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About Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health

At Manchester, postgraduate researchers are at the heart of our mission to tackle pressing global challenges in biological, medical and healthcare sciences - and you could be too.

By choosing Manchester for your postgraduate research, you’ll be joining a university with an exceptional research reputation, where 93% of research is world-leading or internationally excellent (REF, 2021) and where your work will have real-world impact.

You’ll research in world-class facilities alongside leading experts at the forefront of innovation, collaborating across disciplines to pioneer new treatments, advance scientific knowledge, and improve healthcare globally.

Supported by our dedicated Doctoral Academy and strong industry links, you'll experience PhD life in a vibrant, welcoming and diverse postgraduate research community.

And you’ll leave with the specialist knowledge, research experience and transferable skills that will shape your future in academia, research or industry.





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