Exploiting genetic defects in ovarian clear cell carcinoma for therapeutic purposes

We are seeking a talented and enthusiastic PhD candidate to lead a project to identify and characterise novel therapeutic strategies for ovarian cancer.  Ovarian cancer is the deadliest of all gynaecological cancers. Ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) is a rare ovarian cancer subtype that is aggressive, associated with poor survival and chemoresistance. This research project will focus on investigating OCCC genetic characteristics associated with good/poor responses to drugs and drug combinations targeting key cancer cell survival signalling pathways. Our laboratory seeks to understand how cancer molecular features affecting a multitude of DNA transactions, including replication, transcription, and DNA repair can be exploited for therapeutic purposes.

In this PhD, you will employ cell and molecular biology techniques to study drug-induced intracellular signalling and responses in cancer cell models. You will gain experience in RNAi, CRISPR-Cas9 knock-out and protein over-expression techniques, and a variety of in vitro assays to measure DNA damage and repair, ER stress and other key cancer hallmarks in cancer cell lines. Novel results will be tested in in vivo models and/or clinically relevant samples.  

The project will be conducted at the University of Surrey, under the supervision of Dr. Lisiane Meira and Dr. Agnieszka Michael, within the Oncology group. The student will work in the Oncology laboratories to execute the project, with access to core facilities at the University of Surrey. The Oncology research group is a vibrant and collegial group with technical and bioinformatics expertise and infrastructure to provide training and support.  Core facilities for flow cytometry and imaging with dedicated technical support are also available.

Open to UK students starting in October 2022. A later start in January 2023 is also possible.

Minimum of 2:1 in relevant first degree (e.g. Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Science). Master’s degree (e.g. Bioscience/biomedicine, bioinformatics, biochemistry). Desirable qualities include; excellent verbal and written communication skills, cell culture and molecular biology experience, teamwork experience, awareness of the values of equality, diversity and inclusion. Commitment to independent study and enthusiasm for cancer research are essential.

English language requirements

IELTS Academic 6.5 or above (or equivalent) with at least 6.0 in each individual category, or equivalent.

Oncology research