The role of exosomes and miRNAs in mediating drug resistance in cancer cells

Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
Department of Biological and Medical Sciences

This is a competitive 3 year Full Time PhD project


Research project title - The role of exosomes and miRNAs in mediating drug resistance in cancer cells


Eligibility: Only open to UK/EU applicants (who must be permanently resident in UK/EU)


Closing date: 26th May 2017 00.00 GMT (midnight UK time)


Start date: 18th September 2017


Bursary: £14553 pa for academic year 2017/18 & fees


Main supervisor: Dr David Carter

Requirements:

Applicants should be of the highest quality and capable of submitting a PhD thesis within 3 years. Applicants should have a first class or upper second class (minimum 2.1) honours degree from a Higher Education Institution in the UK or an acceptable equivalent qualification.

EU Applicants additional requirement for English language:

A valid IELTS Academic test certificate minimum score level 6 in each of the four areas of reading, writing, listening and speaking with overall minimum score 7.0 issued since 23rd April 2015 by an approved test centre.

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/491093/2016-01-11_-Approved_Secure_English_Language_Tests_and_Test_Centres_-_Website.pdf

Exceptionally we are prepared to consider alternative acceptable evidence of English Language ability.



Description of project:

Ovarian cancer tends to become resistant to chemotherapeutic drugs such as cisplatin, leading to a low five-year survival rate. Understanding the mechanisms of drug resistance is therefore important to prolong effective treatment. We have found a role for exosomes and miRNAs in mediating resistance. Exosomes are small vesicles carrying proteins, mRNAs and miRNAs. They can be released by one cell and then taken up by another cell, leading to the transfer of cargo and functional effects in the recipient cells. We have shown that exosomes released by cancer cells that are resistant to chemotherapeutic drugs can induce resistance when taken up by sensitive cells. In this project we will utilise a variety of approaches to study the molecular mechanisms by which exosomes are able to induce resistance. The project will therefore give new insight into the mechanisms of drug resistance in ovarian cancer. We welcome enthusiastic applicants with either cell biology, molecular biology or cancer biology experience; training in the rest will be provided!


Contact: Dr Dave Carter ([Email Address Removed])
 
As part of their Studentship, any successful applicant will be required to undertake up to 6 hours undergraduate teaching/demonstrating a week during semesters on undergraduate practicals without further remuneration. Training will be given.


How to apply:


Download and complete an application from:

http://www.hls.brookes.ac.uk/images/research/phd-studentship-application-form-jan-14.doc

With application enclose a CV and scanned copy of your degree certificates and transcripts plus two signed academic references. Additionally if appropriate an IELTS Academic test certificate from an approved test centre.

Applications only accepted by e-mail: [Email Address Removed]


PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU MUST NOT SUBMIT ANY APPLICATION, CV or QUERIES VIA FINDAPHD.