About the Project
Adaptive Radiotherapy: Engineering the radiobiological tumour for improved radiation success
To celebrate the University's research successes, the University of Hull is offering a full-time UK/EU/International PhD Scholarship for candidates applying for each of the following projects as part of a new research cluster.
Studentships will start on 16th September 2019
Summary of Cluster
Radiotherapy is a key cancer treatment strategy, but remains an underrepresented area of research focus in the UK and worldwide. The Adaptive Radiotherapy PhD studentship cluster is focused on radiotherapy research training and capacity building at the University of Hull and in the Hull and East Yorkshire NHS Trust (HEYH-NHS). In this truly multidisciplinary cluster, students will have the opportunity to work with experts from a wide variety of areas, including cancer biology, cancer therapy, and radiobiology (Pires), radiosensitiser synthesis and validation (Boyle), development and validation of novel imaging tracers (Archibald), computational modelling in biomedical sciences (Turner), radiation treatment plan modelling and radiology (Beavis and Moore), clinical oncology (Lind and Roy). The students will be embedded in an active, dynamic, research environment, with access to all research facilities both at the University of Hull relevant to the cluster (Biomedical Sciences, Chemistry, Computer Science), as well as the Medical Physics facilities, Molecular Imaging Research Centre and instruments at Castle Hill Hospital.
PhD Project
Therapeutic exploration of the radiobiological tumour, with Dr Isabel Pires ([Email Address Removed]), Professor Mike Lind, Dr Raj Roy, and Professor Steve Archibald
The tumour microenvironment is a major driver of cancer progression and spread and is associated with poor prognosis in patients. In particular low oxygen (hypoxia) signalling is associated with increased radiotherapy resistance. The understanding of radiobiological hypoxia but still under-represented area of cancer research. This project will evaluate the use of clinically relevant targeted molecular therapies as potential novel radio-sensitisers in hypoxia. This exciting project encompasses varied approaches and instruments, including 2D and 3D in vitro models of radiation response, specialised hypoxia facilities, and our unique NPL (National Physics Laboratory)-validated irradiator. The successful candidate will be expected to have a solid knowledge base in cell biology and molecular biology, and, ideally, knowledge on cancer biology. The candidate must also show a willingness to work in a multi-disciplinary project and environment, and undertake extensive radiobiology methodology training.
Applicants should have a 1st class undergraduate degree in Biomedical Science, Cancer Biology, Biochemistry, or a related discipline, or a Masters level research qualification in a relevant discipline. A 2:1 may be considered, if combined with relevant experience.
To apply for these Scholarships please click on the link below.
https://www.hull.ac.uk/choose-hull/study-at-hull/admissions/postgraduate/how-to-apply.aspx
Full-time UK/EU and International PhD Scholarships will include tuition fees and maintenance (£14,777 in 2018/19) for three years, depending on satisfactory progress.
PhD students at the University of Hull follow modules for research and transferable skills development and gain a Masters level Certificate, or Diploma, in Research Training, in addition to their research degree.
Interviews will be held between 7th and 27th February 2019
Successful applicants will be informed of the award as soon as possible and by 15th March 2019 at the latest.