Non-invasive imaging of the tumour vascular microenvironment during radiotherapy response.

Project details:

Optoacoustic imaging is an emerging clinical technology that combines the high contrast of optical imaging with the spatial resolution of ultrasound imaging. Recent work in the VISIONLab has shown that this technology can be used to identify tumour vascular phenotypes and oxygenation status at unprecedented resolution and depth in vivo. A crucial application for such imaging methods is radiotherapy, where imaging of blood oxygenation and tumour tissue hypoxia find applications in monitoring response and determining radioresistance.

This PhD project will focus on studying tumour oxygenation and perfusion before, during and after radiotherapy. Initial validation will be performed in vivo, using small animal models of cancer. These studies will run in parallel with imaging in patient trials in the clinic, which the student will have an opportunity to support, seeing their efforts transition from bench to bedside. The student will have the opportunity to work across multiple research environments and departments, with potential for research visits to other centres within the CRUK Radiation Research Network and beyond.

Desirable qualifications and skills

We are seeking a PhD candidate with a 1st or 2:1 Honours Degree or the equivalent (held or predicted) in biological or biomedical sciences. We strongly value a candidate with the desire to learn, create and innovate. The project will combine a majority of experimental imaging with a minority computational element for image analysis and statistics. The successful candidate should also have a strong interest in experimental research, including and acquiring in vivo imaging data. Additional relevant skills include: demonstrably excellent oral and written communication skills; strong team working skills; an ability to take initiative to solve problems; strong motivation in driving projects forward; and a significant critical thinking capability. Examples of any past experience that demonstrates these characteristics should be highlighted in the statement of interest that accompanies any application. We expect the candidate will develop into an independent experimental researcher and will present their work in academic journals, as well as at conferences.

Candidates with previous experience of in vivo imaging, for example during a Master’s or Diploma degree, are particularly encouraged to apply.

Please click on ’Visit Website’ for details on how to apply. You must submit an application on-line to be considered for this studentship.