Primary cilia are microtubule-based organelles that detect mechanical and chemical stimuli. Although cilia house a number of oncogenic molecules (including Smoothened, KRAS, EGFR, and PDGFR), their precise role in cancer remains unclear. Centriole and cilia defects have been shown to be characteristic of breast cancers and to regulate cancer cell invasion. However, how ciliary signalling affects cancer survival and cell invasion is not known.
Using a number of cell lines generated in our laboratory, we will examine how centriole and cilia proteins regulate invasion in both normal and cancer cells. We will use biochemical, cell biology, molecular biology and cancer biology techniques. We will carry out western blots, invasion and proliferation assays. We will collaborate with cancer biologists, bioinformaticians and a number of laboratories in the UK and abroad.
Applicants for this project should be enthusiastic about science and willing to learn a number of new techniques.
This is a partially funded PhD. Students will get their first-year fees covered to the value of Home/EU fees, plus the benchmark fees will be funded too.
Eligibility
Candidates should have an undergraduate degree (first or upper second class) or equivalent qualification in Biosciences. A Masters qualification in a relevant area would be desirable. Experience in cell biology research, microscopy and kidney research is desirable. Applicants who have not been awarded a degree by a University in the UK will be expected to demonstrate English language skills to IELTS 7.0 (minimum 6.0 in any section).
How to Apply
If you wish to apply, please e-mail the following to [Email Address Removed] by 30 June, 2022.
· An up-to-date CV.
· A single-page A4 single-spaced personal statement stating why you are a suitable candidate (i.e. outlining your qualifications and skills).
· One example of your academic writing (e.g. an essay, a section from an undergraduate or a Masters dissertation).
· A summary of your teaching experience or the teaching activities you feel you could support.
· Names and contact details for two academic referees.
· A copy of your highest degree certificate and transcript.
· A copy of your English language qualification, where applicable.
Short-listed applicants will be required to attend an interview. Applicants chosen for the interview will be instructed to submit a formal online application via Admissions.
For further information about how to apply, please contact the College of Health and Life Sciences Postgraduate Research Student Office on [Email Address Removed]
Research journey
Doctoral research programmes (PhDs) take a proud place in the world-class research environment and community at Brunel. PhD students are recognised and valued by their supervisors as an essential part of their departments and a key component of the university's overall strategy to develop and deliver world-class research.
A PhD programme is expected to take 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time, with intakes starting in January, April or October.
The general University entrance requirement for registration for a research degree is normally a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree (1st or 2:1) or an international equivalent. A Masters degree is a welcome, but not required, qualification for entry.
Research support
Excellent research support and training
The Graduate School provides a range of personal, professional and career development opportunities. This includes workshops, online training, coaching and events, to enable you to enhance your professional profile, refine your skills, and plan your next career steps as part of the Researcher Development Programme. The researcher development programme (RDP) offers workshops and seminars in a range of areas including progression, research management, research dissemination, and careers and personal development. You will also be offered a number of online, self-study courses on BBL, including Research Integrity, Research Skills Toolkit, Research Methods in Literature Review and Principles of Research Methods.
Library services
Brunel's Library is open 24 hours a day, has 400,000 books and 250,000 ebooks, and an annual budget of almost £2m. Subject information Specialists train students in the latest technology, digital literacy, and digital dissemination of scholarly outputs. As well as the physical resources available in the Library, we also provide access to a wealth of electronic resources. These include databases, journals and e-books. Access to these resources has been bought by the Library through subscription and is limited to current staff and students.
Dedicated research support staff provide guidance and training on open access, research data management, copyright and other research integrity issues.
Careers support
You will receive tailored careers support during your PhD and for up to three years after you complete your research at Brunel. We encourage you to actively engage in career planning and managing your personal development right from the start of your research, even (or perhaps especially) if you don't yet have a career path in mind. Our careers provision includes online information and advice, one-to-one consultations and a range of events and workshops. The Professional Development Centre runs a varied programme of careers events throughout the academic year. These include industry insight sessions, recruitment fairs, employer pop-ups and skills workshops.
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