Development of a molecular biomarker test for metastatic cancer stem cells in oral cancer

PhD (non-clinical) studentship; Development of a molecular biomarker test for metastatic cancer stem cells in oral cancer

Applications are invited for a three year PhD studentship, fully funded by Oracle Cancer Trust, to support an ambitious student with a strong commitment to improving treatment for patients with oral cancer. The PhD student will work with Dr Adrian Biddle and Prof Ian Mackenzie in the Centre for Cell Biology and Cutaneous Research at the Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London.

Applicants should have a good honours degree (minimum 2(i) or equivalent) with a strong background in cell biology or a related subject. Hands-on cell culture and molecular biology experience would be advantageous, as would an interest in the histological analysis of clinical specimens or bioinformatic analysis of large data sets.

Currently, it is difficult to tailor treatment to individual cancer patients and this results in both over-treatment and under-treatment for a large number of patients. Molecular biomarker tests that predict the likelihood of metastasis are beginning to have an effect on the clinical management of other tumour types, and we now aim to bring this technology into the treatment of oral cancer. Previous work in our lab has identified a sub-population of cancer stem cells that drive metastasis in oral cancer, and this project aims to develop a prognostic signature based on the presence of these metastatic cancer stem cells that can be used as a clinical biomarker test. The successful applicant will use a novel 3D matrix invasion model to isolate and characterise metastatic cancer stem cells, develop a molecular signature for these cells, and assess the ability of this stem cell molecular signature to predict clinical progression in oral cancer.

This research will utilise the excellent translational research capabilities and state-of-the-art facilities of the Blizard Institute, as well as established collaborations with clinicians at Barts Health NHS Trust. It will provide excellent training opportunities in cell biology, molecular biology and bioinformatics within a supportive team to prepare the student for a career in translational research.

The studentship is funded for 3 years by Oracle Cancer Trust. It will cover UK/EU PhD tuition fees, laboratory costs and a tax free annual stipend of £16721. Oracle Cancer Trust is a charity dedicated to improving treatment for head and neck cancer.

Informal enquiries about this post can be made to Dr Adrian Biddle: [Email Address Removed].
Details about the Blizard Institute can be found at http://www.blizard.qmul.ac.uk/
The closing date for applications is 16th February 2018 and interviews are likely to be held in mid-March 2018.