PhD studentship: Developing a 3-dimensional multicellular model of human osteosarcoma (1022818CM)

Main Supervisor: Stephen Beers,

Other members of the supervisory team: Janos Kanczler, Juliet Gray (Please note Janos and Juliet are joint main supervisors)

Duration of the award: 3 years full time

Project description: 

Osteosarcoma is the most common bone sarcoma in adolescents and has a poor outlook. Novel treatments for this poorly met patient group are clearly needed but their development is hampered by the complexity of the disease and the environment in which it grows. Here we propose to generate a new 3-dimensional bone model of osteosarcoma allowing us to better study the complex microenvironment in which drugs need to operate and to test potentially useful new drugs and strategies to improve patient responses. We will focus initially on the drug mifamurtide (also known as Mepact) which is used in patients, but to which not all respond, to understand how this drug works and potentially how to make it work better in more patients.

Specifically, we are now seeking a bright and motivated graduate student to set up this novel model and to study and dissect tumour, microenvironmental and immune responses to Mepact treatment using flow cytometry-based assays, molecular biology techniques, and microscopy. The successful candidate will develop experience of molecular and cellular analysis in the context of cancer immunology and the bone microenvironment within a dynamic, productive and friendly team of immunologists, molecular / cellular biologists and bioinformaticians based at University Hospital Southampton. The aim of this project is to generate a new 3D multicellular model of human osteosarcoma for pre-clinical studies that aim to rationally inform the design of new treatment strategies for osteosarcoma.

Please contact:  Stephen Beers (sab@soton.ac.uk) or Janos Kanczler (J.M.Kanczler@soton.ac.uk) 

Person Specification: See person doctoral specification link below. 

We seek a candidate with the following qualities: 

A strong enthusiasm for 3D modelling and immunological assays.A confident, independent attitude enabling them to work collaboratively across multiple interfaces (biology, immunology, bioinformatics) in Southampton.A good team worker and communicator.An organised thinker, able to drive diverse project aspects and manage time efficiently.

The successful candidate is likely to have the following qualifications:

A 1stor 2:1 degree in a relevant discipline and/or second degree with a related Masters

Funding information:
a. The project is funded for 3 years by Hannah’s Willberry Wonder Pony Charity and a University of Southampton Presidential Scholarship and welcomes applicants from the UK only, due to funding restrictions of fees. Funding will cover fees, project consumables and a stipend of £15,000pa for 2018

Administrative contact and how to apply:

Please complete the University's online application form, which you can find at 

https://studentrecords.soton.ac.uk/BNNRPROD/bzsksrch.P_Login?pos=7205&majr=7205&term=201819

You should enter Stephen Beers as your proposed supervisor. To support your application provide an academic CV (including contact details of two referees), official academic transcripts and a personal statement (outlining your suitability for the studentship, what you hope to achieve from the PhD and your research experience to date).

Informal enquiries relating to the project or candidate suitability should be directed to Stephen Beers (sab@soton.ac.uk) or Janos Kanczler (J.M.Kanczler@soton.ac.uk).

Closing date: 20th July 2018

Closing Date: 20 Jul 2018
Post Type: PhD Studentship (Funded)