Molecular analysis of plasma cell cancers

Background
Plasma cell (PC) myeloma is an aggressive cancer of the immune system and blood that remains largely incurable. Aggressive disease is often preceded by slowly progressing early cancer states. In some patients disease presents in discrete masses known as plasmacytomas. A fundamental question, which has been identified as a grand challenge across all cancer research, is how we distinguish patients who have aggressive disease and need early treatment from those that have slowly progressing indolent disease that doesn’t need much treatment. This is particularly a problem for patients with plasma cell cancers.

Objectives
This 3-year funded PhD project will address approaches for distinguishing between aggressive and indolent disease in patients with plasma cell cancers, specifically in the setting of plasmacytoma. The PhD project will integrate a range of approaches including molecular analysis (gene expression and mutation profiling) with flow cytometry and cellular functional studies.
The PhD student will work between the diagnostic setting in the Haematological Malignancy Diagnostic Service of Leeds NHS Trust and the Section of Experimental Haematology of the University of Leeds. The PhD will run alongside a clinical trial exploring therapeutic interventions in plasmacytoma. The PhD student will be able to access state of the art facilities in vibrant laboratory settings, providing unique access to clinical pathology and leading research in plasma cell biology.

Novelty
The combination of clinical diagnostic and research excellence, close integration with active clinical trials and biomarker research linked to both genomic technologies and state of the art flow cytometric cell phenotyping represents a unique opportunity. The close working relationship between clinical and mechanistic research teams provides the basis for developing innovative and complimentary approaches to study an important and timely question.

Requirements
This is a wet-laboratory PhD suitable for an individual with drive and enthusiasm for understanding cancer biology and particularly suited to those with knowledge and interest in immunology and haematology. It would be particularly suited to those with an interest in applied patient focused research. A good working understanding of genomic technologies is desirable.

Eligibility
You should hold a first degree equivalent to at least a UK upper second class honours degree in a relevant subject. This project would suit a student with a strong background in immunology, haematology, cancer biology or a closely related area, and additional experience of conducting research in a health-related discipline, for example through a masters degree, is highly desirable.

The Faculty minimum requirements for candidates whose first language is not English are:

• British Council IELTS - score of 6.5 overall, with no element less than 6.0
• TOEFL iBT - overall score of 92 with the listening and reading element no less than 21, writing element no less than 22 and the speaking element no less than 23.

How to apply
To apply for this scholarship applicants should complete a Faculty Scholarship Application form using the link below http://medhealth.leeds.ac.uk/download/3551/fmh_scholarship_application_2017_18 and send this alongside a full academic CV, degree transcripts (or marks so far if still studying) and degree certificates to the Faculty Graduate School [Email Address Removed]

We also require 2 academic references to support your application. Please ask your referees to send these references on your behalf, directly to [Email Address Removed] by no later than Monday 24 April 2017

If you have already applied for other scholarships using the Faculty Scholarship Application form you do not need to complete this form again. Instead you should email [Email Address Removed] to inform us you would like to be considered for this scholarship project.

Any queries regarding the application process should be directed to [Email Address Removed]