The Development of 3D engineered glioblastoma tumour models for precision medicine

Summary

Precision medicine for cancers that incorporates drug sensitivity profiling can identify effective therapies for individual patients.

However, obtaining adequate biopsy samples for high-throughput (HTP) screening remains challenging, with tumours needing to be expanded in culture or patient-derived xenografts, this is time-consuming and often unsuccessful.

This project will develop glioblastoma (GBM) patient-derived tumour models using an engineered extracellular matrix (ECM) tissue mimic hydrogel system and HTP 3D bioprinting.

Gene expression analysis from a GBM patient cohort will be used to identified key components of the ECM in GBM.

Engineered hydrogels with ECM-mimicing peptides will be used to bioprint and create patient-specific tumouroids using patient-derived cells and compared to direct patient tumour samples.

Bioprinted tumouroids will be characterised for their genetic and phenotypic characteristics and compared to the original tumour.

HTP drug screening will be performed on these models and compared to standard drug screening using 2D cell culture MTT assays.

The aim of this project is to develop a timely and clinically relevant technology platform for precision medicine in GBM, potentially transforming preclinical testing across multiple cancer types.

Important Information: Applications for more than one PhD studentship are welcome, however if you apply for more than one PhD project within Biomedical Sciences, your first application on the system will be deemed your first-choice preference and further applications will be ordered based on the sequential time of submission.

If you are successfully shortlisted, you will be interviewed only on your first-choice application and ranked accordingly. Those ranked highest will be offered a PhD studentship.

In the situation where you are ranked highly and your first-choice project is already allocated to someone who was ranked higher than you, you may be offered your 2nd or 3rd choice project depending on the availability of this project.

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
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement

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.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
• Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications record appropriate to career stage
• Experience of presentation of research findings

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)

Our fully funded PhD scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £21,000 (approximately) per annum for three years* (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum is also available.

These scholarships, funded via the Department for the Economy (DfE), are open to applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile.

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.

*Part time PhD scholarships may be available to home candidates, based on 0.5 of the full time rate, and will require a six year registration period.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.