About this project

Applications are invited for an exciting 3-year fully funded PhD studentship to commence in September 2023.

This PhD project aims identify the next generation of theragnostic targets in cancer. The clinical value of theragnostics for the diagnosis and treatment of disease has been evidenced by prominent phase 3 clinical trials; however, despite the enormous potential for treating a wide range of cancers, theragnostic strategies have been developed towards relatively few phenotypes of cancer. In this project, machine learning algorithms will be applied to analyse publicly available datasets for a wide range of cancer types. This bioinformatic approach will identify novel unexplored biomolecular targets for imaging and therapy, which will then be studied using a series of 2D/3D in vitro cancer models to study the impact of expression/activity of the novel targets on tumour physiological conditions.

For informal inquiries, please contact Dr Isabel Pires (i.pires@hull.ac.uk)

About the research cluster / about the research environment

Theragnostics is a rapidly developing area of nuclear medicine which combines diagnosis and therapy into a single unified strategy for the treatment of disease. We are already implementing approved theragnostics into the clinic at Castle Hill Hospital, for the benefit of cancer patients in the surrounding area. Complementary to this is our ambition to expand our own research capacity around novel theragnostic radiopharmaceuticals and their application to disease. In 2022, we established the Hull University Theragnostics (HUT) PhD cluster. The cluster unites two successful research groups in molecular imaging and wound research, to collaborate and explore new ground in theragnostic radiopharmaceutical development with applications in cancer and wounds.

Supervisors

Primary supervisor: Dr Isabel Pires; 2nd supervisors: Dr Yongqiang Cheng, Dr Louis Allott

Funding

• The successful applicant will receive a fee waiver and a maintenance grant / stipend for three years (full-time) or five years (part-time), which covers the research period of the PhD. The fee waiver for 22/23 is £4596 (Home fee) and the maintenance grant is £17668 per annum. This rises each year in line with the UKRI’s recommended stipend allowance.

• If you need to move into a fourth year (full-time) or sixth year (part-time) to complete your thesis, please note that you will not receive a tuition fee waiver or maintenance grant during this period and you will be required to pay a continuation fee.

Submission of thesis

Submission of your final thesis is expected within three years and three months from the start of your PhD scholarship for full-time and within five years and six months if studying part-time.

Eligibility and entry requirements

We welcome applicants with a 1st class undergraduate degree in Biomedical Science, Cancer Biology, Biochemistry, or a related discipline, or a Masters level research qualification in a relevant discipline. A 2:1 may be considered, if combined with relevant experience. Experience in bioinformatics/big data/AI/machine learning is advantageous.

International applicants

This opportunity comes with a Home fee waiver only, which will not cover the full International fee. You will therefore need to pay the difference between the Home fee and the International fee and will need to provide evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover this.

How to apply   Applications are via the University of Hull webpage

Closing date for applications

10 February 2022