Using T cells to eradicate cancer

The Tiganis Laboratory is seeking a highly enthusiastic student to conduct research in immuno-oncology and the development of novel immunotherapeutic approaches for the treatment of cancer.

The inability of the adaptive immune system to initiate a robust anti-tumour response is often linked to the poor prognosis of patients. Immunotherapy is poised to play a central role in the treatment of varied human cancers. This project will take advantage of multidisciplinary techniques and utilise both cell-based and animal models to develop novel approaches for enhancing cytotoxic T cell responses in the context of T cell adoptive immunotherapy.

Exceptional graduate students with a high level (H1) Honours degree (or equivalent) in Biochemistry, Cancer Biology or a related discipline are encouraged to apply.

The Tiganis laboratory has had a long-standing interest in delineating the CNS and peripheral mechanisms that contribute to the development of obesity and its associated complications. A key focus of our laboratory at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre is to understand how obesity drives the development of cancer, including HCC, endometrial cancer and breast cancer.
More specifically, the Tiganis laboratory is interested in understanding how alterations in redox balance influence tumour metabolism and the extent to which this altered in obesity, and how obesity affects anti-tumour immunity, so that tumour cells avoid elimination by the host immune response.
https://www.petermac.org/research/labs/tony-tiganis

Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne Australia’s only public hospital solely dedicated to cancer, and home to the largest cancer research group in Australia. Cancer is a complex set of diseases, and modern cancer research institutes such as Peter Mac conduct research covering a diversity of topics that range from laboratory-based studies into the fundamental mechanisms of cell growth, translational studies that seek more accurate cancer diagnosis, clinical trials with novel treatments, and research aimed to improve supportive care.
https://www.petermac.org/education/research-education

All students engaged in postgraduate studies at Peter Mac are enrolled in the Comprehensive Cancer PhD (CCPhD) program, regardless of which university they are enrolled through. The program is managed by the Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology (The University of Melbourne), based at Peter Mac.

The Comprehensive Cancer PhD program builds on established conventional training for cancer research students providing a coordinated program of skills, research and career training in addition to usual PhD activities. The program is designed to complement existing PhD activities and provides opportunities to develop professional skills that will help candidates to fulfil their career ambitions.
https://www.petermac.org/education/comprehensive-cancer-phd-program