PhD Studentship: Generation of Organoid Models to Investigate the Role of Bacterial Pathogens in Cancer Onset and Progression

Applications are invited for a PhD (via MPhil) studentship within the School of Medicine. The studentship is funded through the UCLan Doctoral Training Centre for Industry Collaboration and is tenable for up to 3.5 years full time [subject to satisfactory progress].  Both Home and EU/International Applicants may apply but EU/International Applicants will be required to pay the difference in tuition fees between the UK and EU/International fee rates. The studentship will provide successful applicants with an annual stipend in line with UKRI rates (Currently £17,668 per year), subject to satisfactory progress.

Project Description:

Organoids are multicellular “miniature organs”, displaying architectures and functionalities of organs, thus offering a window to investigate complex human/animal diseases. Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the deadliest cancers with 90% of its origin being unclear. Recently a link between the human microbiome, its relationship with the immune system and pancreas carcinogenesis has been identified.

The aim of the project is to establish an organoid model for the evaluation of bacteria in host-pathogen interactions and as agents at the onset/development of PC.  We will explore pancreatic organoids, spheroids and classical tissue culture capitalising on preliminary evidence generated in the laboratory and using innovative novel technologies in collaboration with our industrial partners.

The generated models will be harnessed towards host-pathogen interaction studies to assess, (a) bacterial adhesion, internalisation, and survival, (b) biofilm formation, (c) microbial-mediated changes on host cell survival, signalling, and cellular processes (including malignant transformation). The potential for other organoids to be developed will also be explored.

The student will become an integral part of the research group and will be embedded within the thorough and student-focused Doctoral Training Centre programmes, the broader vibrant UCLan postgraduate research community, and the School of Medicine. The interaction with the supervisory team, and other members of the research group as well as with peers and colleagues in the research facility will be continuous, which jointly with attentive process monitoring will facilitate to maximize productivity through student support and satisfaction. With close supervisory guidance, the trainee will design and refine experimental plans, undertake the research programme, record/storage/analyse/interpret/report/present data, contribute to and partake on all activities within the research team.

Further information

Informal project related enquiries about the post can be made to Dr Katja Vogt kvogt@uclan.ac.uk or Dr Jorge Garcia-Lara jgarcia-lara@uclan.ac.uk

For the full details go to: https://www.uclan.ac.uk/research/research-degrees/studentships 

Applications should be completed on our online application system, selecting the following options:

• Type of Study – Research Degree (Postgraduate)
• Course - Master of Philosophy/Doctor of Philosophy
• Campus – Preston Campus
• Mode of Study – Full Time

Please quote the Studentship reference number DTC49 on the online application form in the personal statement section. You will not be able to enter the number in the Studentship reference section.

Closing Date: 12^th April 2023

Proposed Interview Date: TBC

Expected Start Date: September 2023

CURRENT UCLAN RESEARCH STUDENTS WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR THIS RESEARCH STUDENTSHIP

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