Unravelling pathogenic processes at cellular levels in head and neck and thoracic cancer
Use Mass Spectrometry-based MALDI technology and develop new assays in combination of existing single-cell and spatial technologies to unravel biological mechanisms characterising pathogenesis processes and disease progression in patients with head and neck and/or thoracic cancer.
Start date
1 October 2023Duration
4 yearsApplication deadline
Funding source
Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Surrey and Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) in SingaporeFunding information
Whilst the candidate is in the UK, the University of Surrey funding will include UKRI-aligned stipend (£17,668 pa for 2022-23) and approved fees. Whilst in Singapore, funding from A*STAR will consist of a stipend (inclusive of housing subsidy) of SGD 3300/month, a one-time airfare grant to Singapore of SGD 1,500, a one-time settling-in allowance in Singapore of SGD 1,000, a one-time IT allowance of SGD 800, medical insurance and a conference allowance.
About
With key technological advances in multi ‘omic analysis, the development of cell and spatial transcriptomic analysis have shown their ability to greatly improve the understanding of human diseases. Associated with proteomics, spatial transcriptomic falls short of providing a precise picture allowing for the full understanding of pathogenic processes. The considerable improvements in the growing fields of metabolomic analysis has opened new opportunities to build a comprehensive appreciation of biological and disease processes for the generation of new targeted therapeutic strategies across pathology.
The proposed studentship proposes to use Mass Spectrometry based MALDI technology and develop new assays in combination of existing single-cell and spatial technologies to unravel biological mechanisms characterising pathogenesis processes and disease progression in patients with head and neck and/or thoracic cancer.
Our research labs are using state-of-the-art technology such as high-dimensionality flow-cytometry, complex human models of diseases, spatial and single cell ‘omic technologies and trailblazing Mass Spectrometry and Ion Beam-based technologies.
We will initially use a variety of clinical samples to perform large RNAseq, CITEseq data generation which will be integrated with publicly available and bespoke, unique, datasets to characterise molecular and metabolic pathways driving pathogenesis. The new biomarkers identified will then be validated at the cytological and functional levels using biopsies and human models of disease using both single-cell and spatial levels.
For further information please email Prof. Paul Townsend (p.townsend@surrey.ac.uk), Dr Olivier Cexus (o.cexus@surrey.ac.uk) and Dr Radoslaw Sobota (rmsobota@imcb.a-star.edu.sg).
Related links
Dr Olivier Cexus Dr Radoslaw Sobota Prof Paul TownsendEligibility criteria
Open to UK and international students with the project starting in October 2023.
You will need to meet the minimum entry requirements for our Biosciences and Medicine PhD programme.
How to apply
Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the relevant principal supervisor(s) to discuss the project(s) before submitting their application.
Applications should be submitted via the Biosciences and Medicine PhD programme page (N.B. Please select the October 2023 start date when applying).
You may opt to apply for 1, 2 or all 3 of the studentship currently available projects via this joint programme.
When completing your application, in place of a research proposal, please provide a brief motivational document (1-page maximum) that specifies:
- The reference numbers(s) for the project or projects you are applying for,
- The project title(s) and principal supervisor name(s),
- If applying for more than one of the projects, please also indicate your order of preference,
- An explanation of your motivations for wanting to study for a PhD, and
- An explanation of your reasons for selecting the project(s) you have chosen.
Additionally, to complete a full application, you MUST also email a copy of your CV and 1-page motivational document directly to the relevant project principal supervisor of each project you apply for. Due to short turnaround times for applicant shortlisting, failure to do this may mean that your application is not considered.
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Application deadline
Contact details
- Prof. Paul Townsend (p.townsend@surrey.ac.uk)
- Dr Olivier Cexus (o.cexus@surrey.ac.uk)
- Dr Radoslaw Sobota (rmsobota@imcb.a-star.edu.sg)
Studentships at Surrey
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