Applications are invited for a 4 year PhD studentship, commencing October 2023, funded by the MRC Integrative Toxicology Training Partnership (ITTP)
Abstract
Cardiac diseases are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Treatment of heart failure is currently limited to a small class of therapeutics that do not reverse the cardiac phenotype or prevent the development of heart failure (HF). Cardiac targeted nucleic acid therapies (NATs) could unlock novel therapeutic avenues to treat, reverse and even prevent HF. As emphasised by drug-induced cardio-toxicity in the oncology field, novel therapies have to be safe both acutely and chronically. Current safety concerns around NATs focus on the liver and/or immune system due to their high systemic exposure. However, as future NATs are developed to actively target the heart and increase cardiac exposure, safety is likely to become an increasing concern; furthermore, current assays used to assess small molecules have a very different MOA and PK/PD dynamics to NATs. Therefore, it is unlikely that the current cardiac safety assays are appropriate. The overall aim of this studentship is to assess NAT safety in cardiac tissues how pre-existing genetic factors increase sensitivity to toxicity induced by NATs.
This studentship is for 4 years and is fully funded by the MRC Integrative Toxicology Training Partnership (ITTP). The studentship is based at the MRC Toxicology Unit in Cambridge but the student will have the opportunity to spend time working at the AZ laboratories in Cambridge and at the NATA site at Harwell, Oxford.
Applicants should have or shortly expect to obtain a first or good upper second-class degree from a UK university, or an equivalent standard from an overseas university, in a relevant subject such as Biomedical Science. Strong analytical skills, in addition to creativity, curiosity, enthusiasm, and the ability to work in a team are essential.
The Medical Research Council (MRC) Toxicology Unit is a leading International Research Institute within the School of Biological Sciences, University of Cambridge. The Unit delivers mechanistic toxicology research, pursuing hypothesis-driven toxicological questions with a particular focus on the study of the causal links between exposure to endogenous and exogenous toxicants, molecular initiating events and adverse outcome pathways. The Unit's overall aims are to carry out pioneering research which leads to improved health and to train and mentor the next generation of toxicologists.
The Unit provides a supportive learning environment designed to meet the scientific and transferable skills required for an internationally competitive career. Our PhD Programme aims to train the scientific leaders of the future, giving them rewarding research projects with access to world-class facilities and expertise. Students receive toxicology-specific training in the Unit and through the Integrated Toxicology Training Partnership (ITTP).
Application Process
You are strongly recommended to contact the project supervisor prior to submitting your formal application to find out more about the project and eligibility: Professor Anne Willis [Email Address Removed]
Information regarding the application process can be found at: PhD Programme | MRC Toxicology Unit (cam.ac.uk)
All formal applications will need to be made through the University Application Portal:
PhD in Biological Science (MRC Toxicology Unit) | Postgraduate Admissions (cam.ac.uk)
Your online application must include:
• A CV, including full details of all University course grades to date -
• Contact details for two academic or professional referees
• A personal statement of interest
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