Prof R Fitzgerald
No more applications being accepted
Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)
About the Project
Genetic events driving the progression from pre-malignant to malignant disease are still poorly understood. Barrett’s carcinogenesis is an ideal disease to study cancer evolution since patients are monitored longitudinally and oesophageal samples are readily collected at endoscopy. Furthermore through the whole genome sequencing efforts of the Fitzgerald laboratory, as part of the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC), we have a growing understanding of the mutations present in different disease stages. In collaboration with the Sanger, new primary model systems derived from the same patients for which we have sequencing are becoming available. In this PhD project the candidate will join a large, dynamic multidisciplinary research group comprising computational biologists, postdocs and clinician scientists working on different aspects of the ICGC data with complementary expertise. This project will examine: a) the significance of the order in which mutations are acquired, and b) the determinants and consequences of clonal competition in driving indolent premalignant disease to become invasive. To do this the candidate will analyse patient derived genomic data from the ICGC as well as performing experiments using in vitro 2D and 3D model systems including organoids. They will learn genome editing (CRISPR, Tet-on/off) to develop a range of genetically modified models which can then be assessed for effects on cell behaviour using quantitative assays including confocal microscopy, live-cell imaging and cell based functional assays (proliferation, apoptosis, invasion etc.). This PhD is an ideal opportunity to develop research skills in translational cancer medicine.
More information about the research undertaken in the Fitzgerald Lab can be found here- www.mrc-cu.cam.ac.uk/research/rebecca-fitzgerald
Successful applicants will be registered with the University of Cambridge.
Please direct applications in the following format to [Email Address Removed] specifying which project area and principal investigator you are interested in working with.
• A CV, including full details of all University course grades to date.
• Contact details for two academic or professional referees.
• A personal statement outlining your interest in a specific project area, what you hope to achieve from a PhD, and your research experience to date.
Interviews are expected to take place on 12 December 2016 for entry in October 2017.
Funding Notes
In addition to our outstanding research environment we offer a competitive stipend of £18,000 pa. Further information regarding eligibility criteria can be found at www.mrc.ac.uk/skills-careers/studentships/studentship-guidance/student-eligibility-requirements/
We welcome applications from those holding, or expecting to obtain, at least an upper second class degree (or equivalent) in a relevant scientific subject.