Investigating molecular vulnerabilities in early-stage, disseminating colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) has one of the highest worldwide incidence (>1.3 million new cases) There are ~1.4 million cases of colorectal cancer (CRC) annually worldwide, which results in ~610,000 deaths annually. Molecular profiling using next generation sequencing techniques has markedly improved our biological understanding of the disease, although it is yet to significantly contribute to standard patient care, particularly in early/very early stage CRC. Bowel cancer screening (BCS) detects cancers and high-risk adenomas earlier; with more than 75% of screen-detected CRCs are now stage I/II. The proposed project is part of an ongoing national multi-disciplinary collaboration that is advancing our molecular understanding of early stage CRC to enable prediction of patient prognosis and therapy response in CRC patients. This work aims will provide a new biological understanding of the role of apoptosis (programmed cell death) in early stage CRC, allowing development, assessment and clinical validation of a molecular test that distinguishes between lethal and non-lethal early-invasive disease, allowing more precise clinical management of CRC at this earliest stage.

This exciting PhD project will allow a dynamic student to join a translational research group focussed on improving the lives of colorectal cancer patients. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in molecular biology with a keen interest in translational research.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Candidates should have or expect to obtain a 2:1 or higher Honours degree or equivalent in a relevant biomedical or life sciences subject.

English Language

Candidates applying from countries where the first language is not English should produce evidence of their competence through a qualification such as IELTS or TOEFL score.

The minimum recommended score for the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science is:
• IELTS score of 6.0 with not less than 5.5 in each of the four component elements of listening, reading, speaking and writing taken within the last 2 years;
• TOEFL score of 80+ (internet basted test), taken within the last 2 years, with minimum component scores of; Listening 17, Reading 18, Speaking 20, Writing 17);
• A valid Certificate of Proficiency in English grade A or B;
• A valid Certificate of Advanced English grade A; or
• A first or upper second class honours degree from a university based in the UK, Republic of Ireland or other suitably quality assured location in a country deemed by the UK Border Agency to be majority English speaking.

For a list of English Language qualifications also accepted by the School and University please see the following link:
http://www.qub.ac.uk/International/International-students/Applying/English-language-requirements/#English

The English Language Unit (ELU) offers both pre-sessional and in-sessional courses in English for academic purposes and study skills. Courses vary in length and full information can be obtained from the ELU http://www.qub.ac.uk/tefl/