PhD Study : Exploring new Epigenetic Modifying Agents to improve Immune Checkpoint therapies in Cancer

Apply and key information  

Summary

Cancer therapy is currently undergoing a revolution due to the discovery of immune checkpoint therapy, as reflected in this year’s Nobel Prize for medicine [see ref1 for a highly readable account from the Nobel Academy]. This is based around up-regulating the body’s own immune response to the tumour. The promise of this new approach is that it can result in complete remission in a substantial fraction of cancer cases, even those previously very hard to treat.

The enormous success of immune checkpoint therapy in responsive tumours has meant that the focus has now shifted to identifying ways to “prime” non-responsive tumours so that they become amenable to the therapy. Epigenetic modifying agents (EMA) are a leading candidate for this, as recent work (refs in 2) has shown that co-treating with EMA can improve response to immune checkpoint therapy.

Our lab has an internationally recognised profile in epigenetics and a long history of publication in cancer and epigenetics (eg ref3). We have great familiarity with EMA such as the drug DAC, as well as having generated a number of model systems with epigenetic alterations, for the study of cancer as well as fundamental science. In particular, we have recently been examining the effects of DAC on human cell lines(refs in 4), as well as comparing this to the direct inhibition of the cells epigenetic machinery. Genome-wide scanning and bioinformatics analysis has led us to discover a novel pathway for up-regulation of the innate immune response in human cells using EMA, which we have tested functionally in the lab and find to be a valuable new avenue for exploration.

We now wish to recruit a motivated, hard-working student with a good background in cell biology/genetics/molecular biology and a strong desire to learn new techniques. In turn, we will provide training in a range of cutting-edge approaches, including bioinformatics, pyrosequencing, cell culture and transgenics. They will join a team working on a range of model systems including our genetically altered cell lines, CRISPR models and bespoke computer algorithms. The student will be provided with training and support, and will be expected to drive their project forward with the help and guidance of more senior lab members and our collaborators on this project, which include world-leading centres such as the SIBS institute in Shanghai (ref 5) and the CCRCB at Queens’ (ref 6). Previous graduates have found their skills in high demand in both cancer research and in other science careers.

1.Nobel Prize in Medicine 2018: Immune checkpoint therapy

2.Licht Cell 2015 162:938; Chiapinelli et all (same issue, p974)

3.Loughery JE, Dunne PD ….Walsh Hum Mol Genet ‘14 20:3241

4.O’Neill K, Irwin RE….Walsh Epigenetics & Chromatin 2018 11:12; Mackin SJ, O’Neill K and Walsh Epigenomics 2018

5.Guo F, …..Walsh CP…Xu, G-L Cell Stem Cell 2014 15:447

6.Dunne PD et al, Cancer Immunol Res 2016 4:582

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

  • Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

  • Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
  • Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
  • Work experience relevant to the proposed project
  • Publications - peer-reviewed
  • Publications record appropriate to career stage
  • Experience of presentation of research findings
  • A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
  • Use of personal initiative as evidenced by record of work above that normally expected at career stage.
  • Relevant professional qualification and/or a Degree in a Health or Health related area

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

  • Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
  • Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
  • Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

  • Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
  • Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
  • Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
  • Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living

The Doctoral College at Ulster University

Key dates

Submission deadline
Friday 7 February 2020
12:00AM

Interview Date
9 to 20 March 2020

Preferred student start date
Mid September 2020

Applying

Apply Online  

Contact supervisor

Dr Rachelle Irwin

Other supervisors