A fully funded PhD studentship is available under the supervision of Professor David Harrison and Dr Alison Dickson in the area of multi-modal imaging of cancer tissue. This 3-year position is funded by The Melville Trust and will be based in the School of Medicine at The University of St Andrews.
Background
Kidney cancer is increasing in incidence and remains difficult to treat unless surgery is curative. Underlying the behaviour of cancer is disorganisation of cell metabolism, with some metabolic products that are supposed to produce energy acting instead as signals for cells to grow abnormally. Recently a Metabolic Atlas was published, identifying metabolites and the processes in which they are involved including disease progression and spread. However, this atlas only reports average amounts and does not take account of variation inside the tumour. In any tumour, in addition to cancer cells there are blood vessels, scaffold-like cells and immune cells. These last are crucial for defence against cancer, and they are known to be influenced by metabolites released from cancer cells.
Project
To better understand the importance of metabolism for disease and treatment, we will use several different techniques to identify individual metabolites and different cellular elements in kidney cancer tissue, and to use computational tools to integrate these messages so that we obtain a much more detailed and precise map of where metabolites are generated and therefore which cells they may affect.
The primary techniques will involve establishing DESI mass spectrometry imaging to measure key oncometabolites, the use of multiplex immunofluorescence to identify key enzymes involved in metabolism and image analysis with AI enabled software to co-localise all measured parameters. The project will use primary human cancer tissue and cell lines.
This a collaborative project involving collaboration with industry partners (Waters) and academic computer scientists. It is also part of a recognised work package within the iCAIRD programme (iCAIRD.com).
Required
Minimum 2.1 degree in Biology, Biomedical Science, Biochemistry, or related subject.
A keen interest in both hands-on research activities and data analysis as well as problem solving skills and creativity.
Preferred
Experience of research is very desirable, for example histological techniques, immunohistochemistry and/or analytical instrumentation, but comprehensive training will be provided.
How to apply
Applications should be submitted via the University Application System.
Contact
Queries regarding the project can be directed to Dr Alison Dickson at [Email Address Removed].
Queries regarding the application process can be directed to Rachel Horn at [Email Address Removed]
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