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Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute (CRUK CI)of the University of Cambridge offers a PhD Studentship in Repurposing Existing Drugs as Cancer Therapies in 2020.
Project details:
- The extraordinary genomic complexity of copy-number aberration in high grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) has prevented effective molecular stratification in the clinic. We have identified copy-number (CN) signatures that can detect specific patterns of DNA damage response (DDR) from clinical biopsies.
- These signatures now offer new predictive tests for therapy with PARP inhibitors such as olaparib. PARP inhibitors are currently the only FDA-approved class of DDR inhibiting cancer therapies and are significantly improving survival for women with HGSOC. However, resistance to PARP inhibitor therapy is a significant and growing clinical problem underscoring the need to identify new PARP inhibitor compounds with alternative mechanisms of action.
- This project will use functional genomic approaches to characterize novel PARP inhibitors identified by Cycle Pharma and the University of Cambridge including using CN signatures to develop biomarkers and mechanisms of action for these medicines. The PhD project will be based in the CRUK Cambridge Institute in the Brenton laboratory and will use experimental approaches based on well-characterized HGSOC models including cancer organoids, primary patient samples and unique HGSOC cell lines.
- The main techniques will include whole-genome sequencing analysis, high throughput RNA profiling with L1000 for therapeutic phenotyping and high throughput microscopy for DDR biomarkers. The project has direct translational relevance as identifying new PARP inhibitors has major impact for women with high grade serous ovarian cancer. In addition, the strategy of identifying new activities from existing medicines that have already completed safety testing and entered clinical practice will ensure rapid transition into therapeutic studies in cancer patients.
Worth of Award
- This project is co-funded by Cancer Research UK and Cycle Pharma.
- The studentship includes full funding for University and College fees and a stipend of £19,000 per annum.
Eligibility
- No nationality restrictions apply to this studentship.
- 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 recognised university worldwide.
- The project will require strong computational abilities (or enthusiastic potential) and would be ideal for candidates who have completed both a biology undergraduate degree and an MSc in bioinformatics.
- Experience in some of the areas mentioned in the project description would be beneficial.
- The successful candidate must be strongly motivated to drive an independent research project, but also be a highly collaborative individual.
How to Apply
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 quote reference SW21187 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
Deadline: The closing date for applications is November 30, 2019, with interviews expected to take place in January 2020.