Self-funded BMS project: Elucidating Novel Targets for the Treatmeant of Estrogen Receptor Positive (ER+) Breast Cancer

The estrogen receptor is one of several nuclear receptors that play a key role in the progression and treatment of several forms of cancer, including leukemia, breast and prostate cancer. Our focus is breast cancer, where in 70% of cases it is the estrogen receptor that drives the growth and proliferation of the tumour and is a key target for the drug Tamoxifen. Unfortunately, in around 30% of patients, resistance to these therapies occur. It is therefore urgent to find new ways to improve patient survival.

We aim to achieve our goal by understanding the bigger picture of the changes that lead to therapy resistance. Through the characterisation of the biological systems that nuclear receptors are part of, and how these systems change during the progression of cancer, our work provides the networks of interactions that are the context needed to understand how resistance arises.

The York Biomedical Research Institute at the University of York is committed to recruiting extraordinary future scientists regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation or career pathway to date. We understand that commitment and excellence can be shown in many ways and have built our recruitment process to reflect this. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in science, who have curiosity, creativity and a drive to learn new skills.

Entry Requirements: Students with, or expecting to gain, at least an upper second class honours degree, or equivalent, are invited to apply. The interdisciplinary nature of this programme means that we welcome applications from students with backgrounds in any biological, chemical, and/or physical science, or students with mathematical backgrounds who are interested in using their skills in addressing biological questions. 

Programme: PhD in Biomedical Science (3 years)

Start Date: 1st October 2022 (the student will be affiliated with the Department of Biology)