PhD studentship in Prostate Cancer - Using a Defined 3D Human Organoid Model to Replace the Use of Animals in the Screening and Evaluation of Treatments for Prostate Cancer

Award summary

100% of home tuition fees paid and an annual stipend (living expenses) of £19,237 (2024/2025). International candidates are required to fund the difference between home fees and international fees.

Overview

Are you passionate about cancer research, stem cell technology, and precision medicine? 

This PhD studentship offers an exciting opportunity to work at the cutting edge of prostate cancer research, using stem cell-derived organoid models to develop an advanced drug screening platform. 

Why does this matter? 

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, yet traditional preclinical models often fail to accurately predict patient treatment responses. To overcome this, we use human stem cells to generate 3D prostate organoids, providing a physiologically relevant system for testing targeted therapies. These organoids mimic the complexity of the tumour microenvironment, offering a powerful and ethical alternative to animal models. 

What will you do? 

You will be part of a multidisciplinary research team working on a project that has the potential to revolutionise preclinical drug testing. Your role will involve:  

• Generating and maintaining 3D prostate organoids from stem cells. 
• Performing drug screening assays to evaluate treatment responses. 
• Comparing organoid-based findings with conventional preclinical models. 
• Developing expertise in stem cell culture, organoid technology, and experimental cancer therapeutics. 

This PhD will equip you with highly sought-after skills in stem cell biology, cancer drug testing, and organoid-based disease modelling, preparing you for a career in academic research, biotech, or pharmaceutical innovation.

Number of awards: 1

Start date: 28^th April 2025 

Award duration: 3 years 

Sponsor

NC3Rs 

Supervisors

Dr Adriana Buskin Staff Profile | Faculty of Medical Sciences | Newcastle University 

Dr Kelly Coffey Staff Profile | Centre for Cancer | Newcastle University 

Dr Luke Gaughan Staff Profile | Faculty of Medical Sciences | Newcastle University 

Prof Rakesh Heer Rakesh Heer Profile | Imperial College London 

Eligibility Criteria

• A 2:1 honours degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant subject such as biomedical sciences, cancer biology, tissue engineering, bioinformatics, or a related field. 
• A Master’s degree with strong research training is highly advantageous. 
• Experience in stem cell culture, organoid models, molecular biology, bioinformatics, or imaging techniques would be beneficial. 

This studentship is available to UK students. International applicants may apply but must cover the difference between home and international tuition fees. 

How To Apply

You must apply through the University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal 

In ‘Course choice’ tab, put ‘Postgraduate Research’ in 'Type of Study', ‘Full Time’ in ‘Mode of Study’, ‘2024’ in ‘Year of Entry’, code ‘8440F’ in ‘Course Title’, blank in ‘Research Area’. Press ‘Search’, select ‘PhD Translational and Clinical Research (FT)’, and save selection. 

Either upload a document or write into ‘Personal Statement’. Put code ‘TC112’ in ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’. When prompted for research proposal, select ‘Write Proposal’. Type in the title of the research project from this advert. A research proposal is not required. You can also upload a covering letter and CV, please state how your interests and experience relate to the project. 

You must submit one application per studentship, you cannot apply for multiple studentships on one application. 

Contact Details

adriana.buskin@newcastle.ac.uk 

Advert information