Barry Reed/Barts Cancer Institute funded PhD studentship: A proteomics guided approach for identification of novel functional interactions downstream of mutant KRAS signalling in PDAC

We are inviting applications for the following PhD studentship, funded by Barry Reed & Barts Cancer Institute.

This studentship is open to graduates from the UK/EU with either:
- a 2:1 or 1st degree in a related subject; or,
- a 2:2 in a related subject with a subsequent MSc awarded with Merit or Distinction
If your degree has not yet been awarded, but you are expected to meet the above entry requirements you are welcome to apply.

Our research training programme aims to develop a cohort of scientists equipped both intellectually and technically to conduct the highest quality cancer research.

Our research degrees are supplemented by a comprehensive support programme, providing training in a wide range of biomedical laboratory methods and other vital transferable skills.

You will be based at the beautiful Charterhouse Square campus in the heart of London.


Project Outline:

Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive cancer of unmet needs with a 5-year median survival rate of <5%. Oncogenic KRAS mutations are the main drivers of PDAC, accounting for more than 90% of all diagnosed PDAC cases. Despite decades of intense research, direct pharmacological targeting of mutant KRAS has remained impossible. However, whether mutant KRAS signalling leads to as of yet unknown vulnerabilities in PDAC cells which could be exploited for therapeutic purposes, remains to be determined. The aim of this project is to use a novel quantitative proteomics approach which we have developed in our lab to systematically map protein-protein interactions that are modulated downstream of mutant KRAS in PDAC cells. We will assess the functional significance of such dynamic interactions in regulation of different aspects of PDAC biology, and investigate whether disruption any of these interactions may be a vulnerability for the growth or survival of PDAC cells. Targeting such interactions could therefore be utilised as a potential synthetic lethal strategy for treatment of PDAC in clinic.

In this project, the PhD candidate will learn to perform quantitative proteomics and a variety of bioinformatics techniques for analysis of global interactome data. They will also learn to use various cell culture and protein biochemistry based assays to evaluate the functional impacts of specific protein-protein interactions.

For more information, including details on how to apply please see our website:
https://www.bci.qmul.ac.uk/study-with-us/postgraduate-research/barry-reed-bci-funded-phd-studentships