Newcastle University invites for PhD Studentship - Cancer Research, UK

The University can trace its origins to a School of Medicine and Surgery (later the College of Medicine), established in 1834, and to Armstrong College, founded in 1871 for the teaching of physical sciences.
These two colleges formed one division of the federal University of Durham, the Durham Colleges forming the other division. The Newcastle Colleges merged to form King's College in 1937. In 1963, when the federal University was dissolved, King's College became the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, and latterly, Newcastle University.

Cancer Research UK PhD Studentship - Translating novel therapeutic approaches into treatments for patients with hepatocellular cancer

Duration of the award
4 years (MRes Medical and Molecular Biosciences followed by a three-year PhD).

Project description
This is an excellent opportunity to undertake a translational oncology focused PhD studentship at Newcastle University in the Northern Institute for Cancer Research (NICR). Hepatocellular cancer (HCC), commonly arising on the background of chronic liver diseases, is the fifth commonest cause of cancer worldwide and the third most common cause of cancer mortality. The incidence of HCC has increased markedly in western nations in the last twenty years, attributed to the rising prevalence of hepatitis C (HCV) and fatty liver disease attributed to alcohol and/or obesity. Curative treatments are limited to those with early cancers and preserved liver function who are fit enough for either surgical resection or liver transplantation. However, the majority of patients receive only palliative therapies or best supportive care and the outlook is dismal, with a median survival of 11.2 months.

This PhD studentship will involve a detailed in vitro assessment of novel therapeutic approaches in human hepatocellular cell lines, combined with the development and characterization of more translationally relevant orthotopic and spontaneous models of hepatocellular cancer, to permit examination of the most promising approaches in vivo. Non-invasive imaging modalities shall also be utilized to permit serial monitoring of response. This project will provide a broad grounding in contemporary molecular, cellular, pharmacological and disease-modeling techniques in the context of clinically relevant cancer research. The project will also provide the opportunity to interact with clinical and surgical liver experts within the Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Value of the Award and Eligibility
The award covers tuition fees at the UK/EU rate and an annual stipend of £19,000 per annum. Further information about terms and conditions can be found on Cancer Research UK's website.

Person Specification
A first-class or upper-second-class science Honours degree, ideally with additional research experience and/or a further qualification such as an MRes or MSc.

How to Apply
You must complete the University's postgraduate application form. Select ‘Master of Research/Doctor of Philosophy (Medical Sciences) – cancer research’ as the programme of study. Only mandatory fields need to be completed (no personal statement required) but you must attach a copy of your CV and a covering letter, quoting the title of the studentship and reference number CR060 and state how your interests and experience relate to the project.

Details:
Name of the supervisor(s)
Professor S Wedge, Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences

Dr H Reeves, Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences

Further Information
For further details, please contact:
Professor S Wedge
E-mail: steve.wedge@ncl.ac.uk