Cancer Research Wales Fully Funded 3-year PhD Studentship: Exploiting Synthetic Lethality for Cancer Treatment: Improving the Activity and Specificity of Novel MRE11 Inhibitors

Dr. Marcella Bassetto (Cardiff University)

Dr. Salvatore Ferla (Swansea University)

Dr. Edgar Hartsuiker (Bangor University)

Applications are invited for a three-year PhD studentship in the North Wales Medical School, Bangor University. This is a collaborative project with Cardiff University and Swansea University. The studentship is funded by Cancer Research Wales and covers the full cost of tuition fees, plus a maintenance stipend (approx. £19,237 per annum for 3 years), as well as a generous research budget (for consumables, travel, etc.). The preferred start date is October 2025 but is negotiable.

Project

The DNA repair protein MRE11 is often overexpressed in cancer cells, making it essential for their survival and proliferation. We have identified 18 novel compounds that inhibit MRE11, showing potential to treat various cancers. The aim of this project is to use a multidisciplinary approach involving (bio)chemistry, computer aided drug design, cell biology and genetics to develop more potent MRE11 inhibitors and evaluate their efficacy in diverse cancer cell lines.

Person Specification

The successful applicant will have a first or second upper class BSc or Master’s degree with merit in a relevant discipline (e.g., (bio)chemistry, medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacology, pharmacy). Strong work ethic and genuine enthusiasm for research are essential, as is the ability to work both independently and cooperatively. The student is expected to spend parts of the project in Cardiff and in Bangor.

Research Environment

The proposed PhD project is a collaboration between the Bangor University North Wales Medical School, Swansea University Medical School, and Cardiff School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. The student will primarily be based at Cardiff University within a dynamic research environment, working under Dr. Bassetto, an expert in drug discovery and anticancer research. The project will leverage Cardiff’s state-of-the-art medicinal chemistry laboratories. Additionally, Dr. Ferla will provide access to high-performance computing resources and training in molecular modelling. Dr. Hartsuiker will support the cell-based biological assays, in the well-equipped labs of the Bangor University North West Cancer Research Institute, where students will gain expertise in tissue culture, detection of DNA lesions, and other advanced techniques.

Eligibility

The scholarship is open to UK home students only, international candidates are not eligible.

Further Information

Informal enquiries about the studentship should be directed to Edgar Hartsuiker by email (e.hartsuiker@bangor.ac.uk). Please include your CV and brief summary of your research interests. 

How to Apply

All applications must be received through our online application system via the above ‘Apply’ button. 

Applications must contain the following documents:

1. Covering letter: Include your motivation for applying for this studentship, aspirations beyond conducting a PhD, and any reasons that you feel you are particularly suited to undertaking this project.
2. References: All applications require two academic references to be submitted in support. Candidates must approach referees themselves and include the references with their application.
3. Curriculum Vitae: This should be no longer than two pages. Where appropriate, this should also include proof of English Language Competency (7.0 IELTS minimum).
4. Research Proposal: 3-4 pages including a clear description of the research questions, hypotheses, the approach to collecting and analysing data, and a proposed timeline for all elements of the research and writing up.

CLOSING DATE: 01/06/2025

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