Applications are invited for a 3-year fully-funded PhD Studentship starting in January/February 2023 in the new Radiobiology Research Group led by Professor Jason Parsons.
Background
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the 6th most common cancer worldwide with an annual incidence of ~800,000 cases/year. There has been a particularly rapid rise in the incidence of human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV)-associated tumours of the oropharynx. However interestingly, HPV-positive patients respond better to radiotherapy and chemotherapy in comparison to patients with HPV-negative disease whose outcome is very poor. Despite this, acute and long term side effects of radiotherapy treatment in HNSCC patients are common. Therefore, more targeted and effective treatments for HNSCC, particularly radioresistant HPV-negative disease, are actively being sought.
One option is the utilisation of alternative forms of radiotherapy, such as proton beam therapy (PBT) and boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), that are capable of delivering radiation of a higher biological effectiveness direct to the tumour. However, there is significant biological and clinical uncertainty in the molecular and cellular effects of these treatments. Furthermore, the potential use of combinatorial drugs/inhibitors (such as those targeting DNA damage repair) that can enhance the sensitivity of HNSCC to the different forms of radiotherapy is also unclear.
Objectives
This exciting PhD studentship will develop novel research investigating the comparative effect of conventional X-ray radiotherapy versus PBT and BNCT on cell models of HNSCC. This will be achieved through the use of established 2D cell lines, 3D spheroids and patient-derived organoids. The project will also involve an examination of potent drugs, with a focus on those targeting the cellular DNA damage response, that lead to significantly enhanced HNSCC radiosensitisation. The long term goal of the project is to identify the optimal strategy using radiotherapy for the effective treatment and sensitisation of HNSCC, leading to enhancements in overall patient survival.
Impact and training
This molecular and cellular biology-focussed research project will utilise the unique resources present at the University of Birmingham, including the MC40 cyclotron for proton irradiations and the new EPSRC-funded accelerator neutron source for BNCT. This novel work is at the interface of clinical and translational medicine, and which has high translational potential in the establishment of more effective treatments for HNSCC using radiotherapy.
Person Specification
Applicants should have a strong background in cancer cell biology. They should have an interest in radiation and/or head and neck cancer research, and hold or realistically expect to obtain at least an Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a relevant subject (e.g. biochemistry, molecular or radiation biology).
How to apply
Applications should be directed to Professor Jason Parsons at [Email Address Removed]. To apply, please send:
· A Detailed CV, including your nationality and country of birth;
· Names and addresses of two referees;
· A covering letter highlighting your research experience/capabilities;
· Copies of your degree transcripts;
· Evidence of your proficiency in the English language, if applicable.
Applicants will be required to attend an interview planned for December. This can be conducted either face to face or online.
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