PhD Studentship - Development of Novel Drug Combinations for Improved Treatment of Cancers of Unmet Need

Project Supervisors:

Dr Karthic Swaminathan

Dr Arathyram Sasikala Kurup

Prof Sherif El-Khamisy

Project Description:

Cancer of the brain, the lung, and the skin are identified as disease of unmet need due to their poor response to chemotherapeutics agents and development of drug resistance. Recent evidence suggests that epigenetic drugs can improve the susceptibility of cancer cells to DNA damaging agents and prevent disease recurrence. Epigenetics drugs targets DNA modifications and gene expression without altering our genetic code. However, these drug combinations treatments have severe adverse effects,  largely due to their poor specificity and deleterious effect on normal cells. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop novel therapeutic strategies that can improve the targetability of chemotherapeutic agents which can prevent drug resistance in cancers of unmet need.

This studentship aims to develop novel biocompatible nanomaterials and encapsulate them with drugs with targeted release capability to improve the outcome of combination agents. The student will benefit from training in analytical techniques such as electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) and spectroscopy (FTIR), and advanced cell culture and molecular biology techniques. The student will jointly receive training from the Centre for Skin Sciences, the Centre of Pharmaceutical Engineering Science, and the Institute of Cancer Therapeutics at Bradford.

Positive Action Statement:

At the University of Bradford our vision is a world of inclusion and equality of opportunity, where people want to, and can, make a difference. We place equality and diversity, inclusion, and a commitment to social mobility at the centre of our mission and ethos. In working to make a difference we are committed to addressing systemic inequality and disadvantages experienced by Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) staff and students.

Eligibility:

We recognise the importance and the benefits to research quality that come from diverse perspectives, and from belonging to a diverse research community.  Therefore, as part of our Brad-ATTAIN initiative to increase diversity and inclusion among our PGR community, The UoB is offering fully funded PhD studentships open to candidates who self-identify as being from a Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) background and have UK ‘home’ student status.

Under sections 158-159 of the Equality Act 2010, positive action can be taken where members of protected groups are under-represented. At Bradford our data show that people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic groups who are UK nationals are significantly under-represented at postgraduate researcher level. This initiative offers targeted support for these students.

Applicants should have an upper-class honours degree; a Master’s degree is desirable. The project may suit graduates with backgrounds in cancer biology, biochemistry or from other biological science disciplines.

Applicants should use the 'proposal' section of the application to elaborate on:

• Why this research is important.
• How you would conduct it.
• What skills you have to offer to the research.

Funding notes:

This project has full funding for UK students, which will cover tuition fees, a tax-free stipend of £19,237 per year for living costs, and a Research Support Grant.

Funding for:

UK Students Only

Enquiries email address:  

For informal enquiries, please contact research@bradford.ac.uk

How to apply:

Potential candidates should apply directly online. The successful candidate will start in February 2025.

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