About the Project
Adaptive Radiotherapy: Engineering the radiobiological tumour for improved radiation success
To celebrate the University's research successes, the University of Hull is offering a full-time UK/EU/International PhD Scholarship for candidates applying for each of the following projects as part of a new research cluster.
Studentships will start on 16th September 2019
Summary of Cluster
Radiotherapy is a key cancer treatment strategy, but remains an underrepresented area of research focus in the UK and worldwide. The Adaptive Radiotherapy PhD studentship cluster is focused on radiotherapy research training and capacity building at the University of Hull and in the Hull and East Yorkshire NHS Trust (HEYH-NHS). In this truly multidisciplinary cluster, students will have the opportunity to work with experts from a wide variety of areas, including cancer biology, cancer therapy, and radiobiology (Pires), radiosensitiser synthesis and validation (Boyle), development and validation of novel imaging tracers (Archibald), computational modelling in biomedical sciences (Turner), radiation treatment plan modelling and radiology (Beavis and Moore), clinical oncology (Lind and Roy). The students will be embedded in an active, dynamic, research environment, with access to all research facilities both at the University of Hull relevant to the cluster (Biomedical Sciences, Chemistry, Computer Science), as well as the Medical Physics facilities, Molecular Imaging Research Centre and instruments at Castle Hill Hospital.
PhD Project
Modelling adaptive radiotherapy biomarkers, with Dr Isabel Pires ([Email Address Removed]), Dr Alex Turner, and Professor Andy Beavis
There are several classic methodologies for evaluating radiobiological responses in tumours, but these are mostly focused on static responses post irradiation. Therefore, the development, validation, and standardisation of laboratory methodologies focused on biomarkers of adaptive radiotherapy responses remain an expanding area of research in the field. This project will be focused in developing and evaluating novel strategies for studying radiobiological biomarkers. We will use a multi-disciplinary approach with will include the following: 1) In silico modelling of hypoxic content, or ‘hypoxic index’, of tumours, with particular consideration to hypoxia-reoxygenation cycles; 2) dosimetry of irradiation strategies for 2D and 3D cancer cell models in hypoxic conditions, incorporating the use of gold standard approaches such as clonogenic assays and radiation-induced foci; 3) expansion of pre-clinical models for radiobiological studies, using our NPL (National Physics Laboratory)-validated irradiator. The successful candidate will be expected to have a solid knowledge base in computational biology, bioinformatics, and/or cellular and molecular biology, ideally with some knowledge of cancer biology. The candidate must also show a willingness to work in a multi-disciplinary environment and with NHS researchers, and embrace the area of computational biology.
Applicants should have a 1st class undergraduate degree in Cancer Biology, Computational Science, Computational Biology, Bioengineering, Bioinformatics, or a related discipline, or Masters level research qualification in a relevant discipline. A 2:1 may be considered, if combined with relevant experience.
To apply for these Scholarships please click on the link below.
https://www.hull.ac.uk/choose-hull/study-at-hull/admissions/postgraduate/how-to-apply.aspx
Full-time UK/EU and International PhD Scholarships will include tuition fees and maintenance (£14,777 in 2018/19) for three years, depending on satisfactory progress.
PhD students at the University of Hull follow modules for research and transferable skills development and gain a Masters level Certificate, or Diploma, in Research Training, in addition to their research degree.
Interviews will be held between 7th and 27th February 2019
Successful applicants will be informed of the award as soon as possible and by 15th March 2019 at the latest.
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