About the Project
Background: Ionising radiation is known to increase the future incidence of cancer, particularly leukaemia. The hematopoietic cells of the bone marrow are among the most sensitive cells in the body to the damaging effects of ionising radiation. Although initial effects include cell toxicity, the most important long-term outcome is leukaemia even at near background exposure levels, including diagnostic imaging procedures. Leukaemia development is a genetically complex, multistep process and the target cells for radiation leukaemogenesis are widely held to be self-renewing hematopoietic stem cells. Yet, little is currently known of the characteristics, numbers and responses for radiation carcinogenesis of these cells.
Objective: Much remains to be learned about the mechanisms of leukaemia in general and radiation-induced leukaemia in particular and progress in basic understanding is dependent on knowledge of stem cell radiobiology. The aim of the project is to improve our understanding using a several mouse model engineered to study the chromosomal and molecular mechanisms that underlie leukaemia initiation and development in live haematopoietic progenitors and stem cells and how metabolism and changes of diet may affect radiation leukaemogenesis.
Techniques: These include basic molecular biology techniques for DNA extraction, PCR amplification, sequencing data analysis and multiplex quantitative PCR. Tissue culture, immuno-histochemistry, Western blot, fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH), fluorescence microscopy. In particular, flow-cytometry and cell sorting will be extensively used.
Location and PhD registration: The location of the student would be mainly in the CMB group, Cancer Mechanisms and Biomarkers Group (CMB), Radiation Effects department, PHE Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, Chilton, Didcot Oxfordshire although the student may have to undertake some research experiments at the University of Oxford in Dr Mark Hill’s laboratory.
Registration: You would be registered with the University of Oxford and participate in the post-graduate training programme, provided by the Department of Oncology. The studentship is funded for three years with a negotiable start date of October 2017.
Completing your Application Form: Online applications are preferred. If you need to complete a paper application please contact University of Oxford Graduate Admissions explaining the exceptional circumstances that mean it is necessary for you to use this method of application.
On the application form you will be asked to provide a ’Proposed field and title of research project’ and an ’Advertised reference code’. Please list: PHEONC
There is a section in the application form called Research Proposal. Here you should write, in no more than 1000 words, a personal statement detailing your relevant background, as well as your interests and motivations in pursuing graduate study.
Applicants will also be required to supply a CV and official academic transcripts to support your application. You must also supply the details of three appropriate referees, and make sure we receive the references before FRIDAY 25th AUGUST 2017, as the information provided by your nominated referees is also essential to support your application.
Choosing a college: Please list Linacre College ONLY
Application fee: There is an application fee of £75 which is non-refundable and is payable whether your application is ultimately successful or not. Your application cannot be processed unless we receive payment in full at the same time. For online applications using credit cards, VISA/MasterCard only are accepted. Please see FAQ for further information.
Further information to guide you through the admission process can be found on the University of Oxford Admissions site http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/applying-to-oxford
Funding Notes
Studentship is open to UK and EU* applicants with a first or upper second class honours degree or MSc or MPhil in a biological science (e.g. Genetics, Molecular Biology). You should demonstrate an interest in the wider aspects of scientific discovery, aptitude for research, pro-active and strong desire to undertake laboratory work, have experience in laboratory-based research (e.g. an honours project or vacation studentship) and, preferably, experience in molecular biology and in vivo work. *“EU applicants must demonstrate relevant connection to the UK through ordinary residence. As a UK public funded body, PHE cannot fund applicants from outside the EU.”