Development of next-generation tissue culture surfaces to advance models of cancer metastasi

Recurrence of cancer following treatment is driven by resistant populations of cells, allowing therapeutic escape and disease spread (metastasis). Targeting these cells that ‘escape’ from the primary tumour and avoid programmed cell death, is essential to improving the treatment of disseminated/aggressive disease. Development of more appropriate in vitro tissue culture systems are key to this aim.

We have previously demonstrated a novel surface able to support/select cell growth, based on differential cell adhesion and surface characteristics. We have examined the relationships between surface chemistry/topology and cultured breast cancer cells and shown that the surface modifications increased epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) related gene expression, increase cell motility and encourage detachment/anchorage independent growth similar to that during cancer metastasis. This project will generate and characterise novel surfaces that modify cancer cell growth/development to create new in vitro metastatic relevant cancer models.

This continuation of a successful cross-disciplinary research project involving surface chemistry, cell biology and cancer biology is an exciting opportunity to learn and apply multiple techniques (genomics, proteomics, materials chemistry and cell biology). The research will take place at the School of Science & Technology in both The John van Geest Cancer Research Centre (in the Clinical Proteomics/Biological Mass Spectrometry group) and the Biomolecular and Materials Research group, utilising cutting edge technology platforms supported by an experienced supervisory team of specialists in each relevant area.

NTU’s School of Science and Technology possesses state of the art facilities in Bioscience, Chemistry, Computing, Engineering, Physics, Forensics and Sport Science. We engage in cutting edge research, attracting substantial external funding to underpin our research programmes and PhD supervision. If you are ambitious to shape the future, and contribute to our mission, come join our exciting team of enthusiastic staff and students.

Specific qualifications/subject areas required of the applicants for this project
Applicants should hold, or be expected to hold, an UK Master’s degree (or UK equivalent according to NARIC) with a minimum of a merit, and/or a UK 1stClass / 2.1 Bachelor’s degree (or UK equivalent according to NARIC) in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Pharmacology, Biology, Biomedical Sciences or a related discipline.

Panel members who will perform shortlisting

Chair: Professor Ellen BILLETT. [Email Address Removed]

Panel member 1: Dr David BOOCOCK. [Email Address Removed]

Panel member 2: Dr Elisabetta VERDERIO-EDWARDS. [Email Address Removed]

Interviews are likely to take place on the following dates: 08/01/2018 to 19/01/2018

This studentship competition is open to applicants who wish to study for a PhD on a full-time basis only. The studentship will pay UK/EU fees (currently set at £4,195 for 2017/18 and are revised annually) and provide a maintenance stipend linked to the RCUK rate (this is revised annually and is currently set at £14,553 for the academic year 2017/18) for up to three years. Applications from non-EU students are welcome, but a successful non-EU candidate would be responsible for paying the difference between non-EU and UK/EU fees. (Fees for 2017/18 are £12,900 for non-EU students and £4,195 for UK/EU students). The studentships will be expected to commence in October 2018.