Recreating the Head and Neck Cancer Microenvironment

Project details:

Head and Neck cancer (HNC) is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide, ranking as the 6th most common cause of cancer incidence and mortality in the world. In the UK alone, it accounted for over 12000 new cases and 4000 deaths in 2019-20 whereas in developing countries the incidence is even higher contributing up to 25% of all reported cancer cases. In Western Europe, HNC incidence has increased in recent decades, with the UK reporting a 68% increase in incidence and 22% increase in mortality during the last decade indicating that it is a significant and pertinent clinical problem. In comparison to other common cancers, the molecular landscape of HNC is poorly understood, hampering the development of novel treatments and prognosticators informing treatment options. The pathogenesis of HNC is complex and multifactorial and our previous work has shown that tumour microenvironment (TME) in particular fibroblasts play a key role in progression. Further characterisation of these fibroblasts and comparison between different types of HNC (oral, oropharyngeal and laryngeal) 

has the potential for therapy as fibroblasts remain genetically stable unlike the epithelial cancer cells. This project aims to re-create the HNC TME using a range of methods to develop better understanding of HNC pathogenesis and treatment. 

Entry Requirements:

Candidates must have a first or upper second class honours degree or significant research experience.

• Candidates must have a first or upper second class honors degree or significant research experience. 
• A background in computer science, computer vision, medical/image analysis is essential.
• Experience of research (or interest in) in one or more of the following: deep learning; big data management; computational pathology; medical imaging; computer vision; and machine learning. 
• Ability to initiate, plan, organise, implement and deliver programmes of work to deadlines. 
• Ability to work with people from different backgrounds and in team across academic, healthcare and industry, with good interpersonal skills. 
• Good written and oral communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information into accessible language. 
• Ability to work independently or as part of a multi-disciplinary team. 
• Ability or potential to contribute to the development and writing of publications. 

How to apply:

Please complete a University Postgraduate Research Application form available here: www.shef.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/apply

Please clearly state the prospective main supervisor in the respective box and select (School of Clinical Dentistry) as the department.