PHE-Funded PhD Studentship: Radiation Risks from High-LET Alpha-Emitters using Radium-223 as a Model.

Department of Life Sciences
Division of Biosciences
Institute of Environment, Health and Societies


PHE-Funded PhD Studentship: Radiation Risks from High-LET -Emitters using Radium-223 as a Model.

A three year PHE-Funded PhD studentship is available in the College of Health and Life Sciences at Brunel University London, in collaboration with Public Health England (PHE).

Project description
Bone related cancers are common and represent a wide spectrum of malignant disease. Radium-223 (223Ra) is a form of ionising radiation which selectively targets to bone-cancer sites where it very effectively causes the malignant cancer cells to die. The success of this new therapy in improving patient survival in prostate cancer patients and also, in its improvement in prognosis and quality of life, is creating a great deal of excitement whereby its therapeutic use may be broadened to include other cancers with bone disease including those in younger patients and those with quite favourable prognoses. Immature blood cells, which mature into all of the different cell types of the peripheral blood, reside in the bone marrow. Immature blood cells therefore sit close to radioactive-targeted cells of the bone which means that they are potentially at risk of radiation exposure as a consequence of this treatment. The aim of this PhD project is to fully understand the risks of such exposure on long-term bone marrow complications such as secondary, treatment-related leukaemia. This research aims to measure any changes in the chromosomal structure of cells that are derived from the bone marrow of patients who are currently being treated with 223Ra. The cytogenetic findings generated will be used to determine whether 223Ra treatment results in any exposure to the bone marrow and if so, to make estimations of any potential long-terms risks of this exposure.

The project will start on the 1st August 2017 and will be based at Brunel University London (Uxbridge). The student will be supervised by Dr Rhona Anderson (Brunel University London) and
Dr Liz Ainsbury (CRCE, PHE). The student will be trained in multidisciplinary techniques including mammalian cell culture, radiation cytogenetics and modelling for radiation dose estimation, and will develop a valuable set of technical and theoretical expertise that will boost a successful career as an independent scientist.

Funding
This studentship is fully funded by the PHE and covers a generous tax-free stipend of £16,553 and full UK/EU tuition fees per annum for 36 months.

Qualifications and eligibility
Candidates are required to be UK-based and must ensure they fully meet the eligibility criteria of Brunel University London. We are looking for an enthusiastic and high-calibre candidate with an interest in radiation biology, radiation therapy and cancer. The project would be ideally suited to a student with a minimum of a 2:1 Honours degree in biological sciences, biomedical sciences, or similar disciplines. Master qualification in biological-related discipline is highly desirable. This studentship is open to residents of UK or EU member state only. Applicants who have not been awarded a degree by a University in the UK will be expected to demonstrate English language skills to IELTS 7.0 (minimum 6.0 in any section).

How to apply
Informal enquiries are most welcome and should be sent to Dr Rhona Anderson [Email Address Removed]

If you wish to apply, please e-mail the following to [Email Address Removed] by Monday 19th June 2017:

• An up-to-date CV.
• A single-page A4 single-spaced covering letter setting out why you are a suitable candidate.
• Names and contact details for two referees.
• A copy of your highest degree certificate and transcript.
• A copy of your English language qualification (where applicable).

Shortlisted applicants will be required to attend an interview. Applicants chosen for interview will be instructed to submit a formal online application via Admissions.

For further information about how to apply please contact the College of Health and Life Sciences Postgraduate Research Student Office on [Email Address Removed].