The University of Cambridge in the PhD Studentship in Non-invasive Imaging of the Tumour Microenvironment for International Students in 2020.
Project details:
Optoacoustic imaging is an emerging clinical technology that combines the high contrast of optical imaging with the spatial resolution of ultrasound imaging. Recent work in the VISIONLab has shown that this technology can be used to identify tumor vascular phenotypes and oxygenation status at unprecedented resolution and depth in vivo. A crucial application for such imaging methods is radiotherapy, where imaging of blood oxygenation and tumor tissue hypoxia find applications in monitoring response and determining radioresistance.
This PhD project will focus on developing methodology that enables accurate identification of oxygenation changes in the tissue before, during and after radiotherapy. Initial validation will be performed in vivo, using small animal models of cancer. These studies will run in parallel with imaging inpatient trials in the clinic, which the student will have an opportunity to support, seeing their efforts transition from bench to bedside.
Worth of Award
This project is funded by a Cancer Research UK studentship that includes full funding for University and College fees and a stipend of £19,000 per annum.
Eligibility
The criteria are as follows;
- No nationality restrictions apply to Cancer Research UK funded studentships.
- Applications are invited from recent graduates or final year undergraduates who hold or expect to gain a first/upper second class degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject from any recognized university worldwide.
- The ideal candidate must have (or expect to obtain) a 1st or 2:1 honours degree in biological or biomedical sciences.
- Candidates with a strong interest in the project but coming from a different scientific background will also be considered if they can demonstrate sufficient coursework in the appropriate discipline.
- They strongly value a candidate with the desire to learn, create and innovate.
- The project will combine a majority of experimental imaging with a minority computational element for image analysis and statistics.
- Background knowledge of programming languages used for quantitative data analysis (e.g. Matlab, Python), or an interest in computational methods, is thus desirable.
- The successful candidate should also have a strong interest in experimental research, including and acquiring in vivo imaging data.
- Additional relevant skills include: demonstrably excellent oral and written communication skills; strong team working skills; an ability to take initiative to solve problems; strong motivation in driving projects forward; and a significant critical thinking capability.
- Examples of any past experience that demonstrates these characteristics should be highlighted in the cover letter that accompanies any application. They expect the candidate will develop into an independent experimental researcher and will present their work in academic journals, as well as at conferences.
- Candidates with previous experience of in vivo imaging or biomedical optics, for example during a Masters or Diploma degree, are particularly encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
To apply for the Tumour Microenvironment PhD Studentship;
- All applications need to be made using the University Applicant Portal.
- To complete your on-line application, you need to provide the following:
- Reference Request: The names and contact details of two academic referees who have agreed to act on your behalf.
- Research: If you wish to be considered for more than one studentship, please enter the names of all of the supervisors you wish to consider your application in the ‘Research summary’ text box.
- If you only wish your application to be considered by a single supervisor, then please enter their name in the ‘Research Supervisor’ text box. Please describe your past ‘Research experience’ in the appropriate text box.
- Course Specific Questions: Your statement of interest (limit of 2,500 characters) should explain why you wish to be considered for the studentship and which qualities and experience you will bring to the role. Please also state how you learned of the studentship.
- Supporting Documents: Please upload your CV (PDF file), which should include a list of the examinations taken at the undergraduate level and if possible, your examination results.
- Please visit https://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/cvcrpdmsc for further information about the course and to access the applicant portal.
Deadline: Application closes November 15, 2019.