About the Project
We invite applications for a PhD studentship position from UK or EU applicants with an enthusiastic interest in the roles of non-coding RNAs in breast tumourigenesis and drug resistance.
The post-holder will work under the supervision of Dr Claire Fletcher and Prof Charlotte Bevan to identify and characterise non-coding RNAs that play fundamental roles in apoptotic induction in treatment-resistant and –responsive breast cancer (BCa). The post-holder will be expected to i) validate existing high-throughput microRNA (miR) inhibitor screening data, ii) identify mechanisms by which candidate miRs modulate cell death, iii) investigate top candidate miRs as drug targets for treatment-resistant BCa, iv) identify gene targets of apoptosis-modulating miRs and demonstrate their clinical relevance. Successful completion of the project will identify new treatment targets for advanced BCa, and provide insights into dysregulation of apoptosis during cancer progression.
Candidates
Applicants should be well-organised, self-motivated, able to work effectively as part of a team, and passionate about pursuing a career in biomedical research. The successful candidate will hold a First Class or an Upper Second Class degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) and hold or be about to complete a Master’s degree in molecular biology, biomedical research or a similar discipline, and will be expected to demonstrate broad training and aptitude in a range of molecular biology techniques relevant to cancer research. Experience in quantification and manipulation of microRNAs, generation of drug-resistance models, next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics is desirable but not essential.
Studentship Details
This post is full time and fixed-term for 36 months and covers course fees at the Home/EU rates and a tax-free stipend starting at £17,500. It will be based at the Hammersmith Hospital Campus, located in East Acton. The post is funded by The Rosetrees Trust and provides the opportunity to work in the Division of Cancer, Imperial College London, one of the leading research-led universities worldwide, and will afford numerous possibilities for training and collaboration, in particular with the Institute of Cancer Research. Imperial College provides an outstanding environment for basic, clinical and translational research and provides support and development opportunities for PhD students through the award-winning Graduate School of Life Sciences and Medicine.
Enquiries
For informal enquiries please contact Dr Claire Fletcher ([Email Address Removed]) or Prof Charlotte Bevan ([Email Address Removed]). Information relating to the research interests of the group may be found at: http://www.imperial.ac.uk/cancer/prostate/bevan/, http://www.imperial.ac.uk/people/claire.fletcher07 and http://www.imperial.ac.uk/people/charlotte.bevan.
Application Requirements
Prospective students can apply by submitting a CV (including nationality and full contact details of two academic referees) and covering letter outlining their suitability for the post and enthusiasm for cancer research to [Email Address Removed]. Interviews will be held between 15th and 19th May. We regret that due to the large volume of applications received, we are only able to notify those short-listed for interview.
Closing date for applications: Wednesday April 26th 2017, 5pm.
Funding Notes
The studentship is ONLY open to UK and EU students and cannot be held by a non EU student.
The post is funded by The Rosetrees Trust and s full time and fixed-term for 36 months. Funding covers course fees at the Home/EU rates and a tax-free stipend starting at £17,500.
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