About the Project
The ability to degrade misfolded or unneeded proteins is a fundamental mechanism for cellular homeostasis. This process of ‘protein quality control’ is often rewired during cancer, to allow the growth, spread, or indeed, adaptation of cancer cells to the hostile conditions found within tumours.
This PhD project focuses on how the protein quality control machinery impacts on cancer cell metabolism and physiology. The PhD involves fundamental research, but will have implications for our understanding of cancer development, progression or drug resistance. The aim is to define the role played by the ‘molecular segregase’ p97 and its adaptor protein, Ubxd8, on protein degradation at organelles, and to understand how this impacts cancer cellular metabolism.
The PhD training will be carried out at the Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, one of the internationally recognised Research Centres within the School of The School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences. The School’s Postgraduate Research Development Programme offers a range of formalized training and mentorship opportunities for graduate students, equipping PhD graduates with a broad range of skills for their future careers.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Candidates should have or expect to obtain a 2:1 or higher Honours degree or equivalent in a relevant biomedical or life sciences subject.
English Language
Candidates applying from countries where the first language is not English should produce evidence of their competence through a qualification such as IELTS or TOEFL score.
The minimum recommended score for the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science is:
• IELTS score of 6.0 with not less than 5.5 in each of the four component elements of listening, reading, speaking and writing taken within the last 2 years;
• TOEFL score of 80+ (internet basted test), taken within the last 2 years, with minimum component scores of; Listening 17, Reading 18, Speaking 20, Writing 17);
• A valid Certificate of Proficiency in English grade A or B;
• A valid Certificate of Advanced English grade A; or
• A first or upper second class honours degree from a university based in the UK, Republic of Ireland or other suitably quality assured location in a country deemed by the UK Border Agency to be majority English speaking.
For a list of English Language qualifications also accepted by the School and University please see the following link:
http://www.qub.ac.uk/International/International-students/Applying/English-language-requirements/#English
INTO Queen’s English Language Courses offers both pre-sessional and in-sessional courses in English for academic purposes and study skills. Courses vary in length and full information can be obtained at: https://www.qub.ac.uk/International/International-students/Applying/University-Preparation-Courses/INTOEnglishlanguagecoursesatQueens/
Funding Notes
*FUNDING CONFIRMED – Department for the Economy (DfE) Award*
Eligibility for both fees (£4,327 for 2019/20, 2020/21 TBC) and maintenance (£15,009 for 2019/20, 2020/21 TBC) depends on the applicants being either an ordinary UK resident or those EU residents who have lived permanently in the UK for the 3 years immediately preceding the start of the studentship.
Non UK residents who hold EU residency may also apply but if successful may receive fees only.
For further details re eligibility criteria (including academic, citizenship and residency criteria) please click on the following link: https://www.economy-ni.gov.uk/publications/student-finance-postgraduate-studentships-terms-and-conditions
References
Please visit the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, website for further details about the Centre:
http://www.qub.ac.uk/research-centres/CentreforCancerResearchCellBiology/
When applying, please choose 'MEDICINE' as your subject area/School.