Overview
The immune system plays a critical role in infections, cancer and in autoimmune disease. Dendritic cells are a type of white blood cell that activate and control immunity. We would like to use dendritic cells in medicine but it is difficult to isolate sufficient numbers to treat patients. We have therefore developed a way to make dendritic cells in the laboratory, using stem cells isolated from the blood or bone marrow. Now we need to achieve 2 goals: 1) to make them without using other supporting cells (feeder layer-free) in order that they can be manufactured safely at large scale; 2) to make sure that they work as well as naturally occurring dendritic cells isolated from the body. If we are successful, this work will lead to a ‘Newcastle DC Vaccine’ that in the future will be tested in cancer trials, vaccination and autoimmune disease, to improve the lives of patients here and abroad. The student will work with two dynamic laboratory teams who have extensive experience in human dendritic cells and cellular therapy development.
The project will facilitate a broad training in cutting-edge laboratory and analytical techniques within the paradigm-changing field of immunotherapy. Applications are welcomed from enthusiastic and motivated students of all backgrounds.
Number Of Awards
1
Start Date
19 September 2022.
Award Duration
3 years.
Sponsor
Randerson Foundation (Faculty of Medical Sciences studentship)
Supervisors
Dr Venetia Bigley and Professor Catharien Hilkens
Eligibility Criteria
You must have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree in a related area. A further qualification such as an MSc or MRes is advantageous.
Successful international candidates will be required to make up the difference between the home fees and international fees. The award will cover home fees only.
How To Apply
You must apply through the University’s online postgraduate application system by creating an account. To do this, please select ‘How to Apply’ and choose the ‘Apply now’ button.
All relevant fields should be completed. All fields marked with a red asterisk must be completed.
You will need to:
1. Click on programme of study
2. Insert 8440F in the programme code section and click search
3. Select Programme name ‘PhD in the Faculty of Medical Sciences (full time) – medical sciences’
4. Insert TC043 in the studentship/partnership reference field
5. Attach a covering letter and CV. The covering letter must state the title of the studentship, quote reference code TC043 and state how your interests and experience relate to the project
6. Attach degree transcripts and certificates and, if English is not your first language, a copy of your English language qualification. You will not be able to submit your application until you have submitted your degree transcript/s.
Contact Details
Informal enquiries can be made to [Email Address Removed]
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