PhD Study : Phase-shift nanoemulsions for the targeted treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Summary

Chemotherapy remains a key treatment for pancreatic cancer, both in the neo-adjuvant setting to reduce tumour burden before surgery and in the management of advanced disease. Current chemotherapy typically involves treatment with folinic acid (FOL) 5-fluorouracil (F), irinotecan (IRINI) and oxilaplatin (Ox) in a combination called FOLFIRINOX. As these drugs are non-targeted, the systemic toxicity can be extensive.

Phase-shift nanoemulsions change from nanoparticles to microbubbles upon exposure to low-intensity ultrasound.1 The administered nanoparticles can extrasvate the leaky tumour vasculature and accumulate in the tumour tissue. Ultrasound can then trigger the phase shift resulting in the formation of microbubbles and their subsequent cavitation releases encapsulated drugs deep within the tumour tissue. In this project, phospholipids will be functionalised to carry 5-FU, irinotecan or oxilaplatin and nanoemulsions will be prepared from these lipids resulting in particles loaded with FIRINOX chemotherapy.

The FIRINOX nanoemulsions response to ultrasound will be determined in cell free solution and  efficacy of the treatment tested in a range of pancreatic cancer cell lines. The pharmacokinetics of the FIRINOX nanoemulsion will be identified in a murine model of pancreatic cancer and the effect of ultrasound exposure on tumour response also evaluated. Requisite experience Applicants will be expected to be familiar with good laboratory practice and cell culture experience will be a benefit.   In vivo experience would be a benefit although specific training in accordance with national requirements will be provided.

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
• Clearly defined research proposal detailing background, research questions, aims and methodology

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
• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications record appropriate to career stage
• Experience of presentation of research findings
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• 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