PhD Studentship: Targeted Integrin Destruction – a New Approach To Treat Advanced Prostate Cancer

Project Supervisors:

Dr Jürgen Müller, Dr Helen Sheldrake, Dr Mark Sutherland, Dr Steve Shnyder

Project Description:

We invite applications for a fully-funded, full-time 3-year PhD studentship to develop novel inhibitors for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer, one of the leading causes of male cancer deaths. Advanced prostate cancer that has metastasised to the bones and other tissues is very difficult to treat and has a poor prognosis. New treatment modalities are therefore urgently needed.

Integrins are a family of cell surface proteins which allow cells to adhere to their surroundings and interact with them. They also participate in signalling pathways within the cell controlling cell growth, survival, movement and invasion. In prostate cancer, integrins are involved in multiple processes which support prostate cancer progression and spread. While the potential to target integrins in prostate cancer is well documented, therapies based on small molecules or antibodies that block the integrin's binding site have not been consistently successful. In this project, you will develop an exciting new way of targeting integrins by developing therapeutics aimed at degrading integrins in prostate cancer. You will develop new molecules (bioPROTACs) linking prostate cancer-specific integrins to the cellular degradation machinery and characterise these novel therapeutics in a range of 2D and 3D prostate cancer models. The research will take place at the Institute of Cancer Therapeutics at the University of Bradford; a highly active research environment with an excellent track record in PhD training and completion. You will be further supported by an active, ongoing education program.

We are particularly keen to receive applications from candidates with medical degrees, but will also consider clinically-focused applicants (e.g. with degrees in clinical pharmacology, or pharmacy). Candidates with medical degrees should have completed pre-registration training, and hold or be eligible for full registration with the UK General Medical Council (GMC). An honorary clinical contract will be sought with Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust at the appropriate level depending on the applicant’s experience. The successful applicant will participate in clinical activities and be supported to develop and maintain clinical competencies whilst undergoing laboratory work for the PhD. The ratio of laboratory/clinical work will be agreed with laboratory and clinical supervisors.

Funding notes:

The studentship funded by the Masonic Charitable Foundation in partnership with the University of Bradford covers UK tuition fees, a tax-free stipend (at standard MRC rates, currently £18,622 per annum for 2023/24) for the duration of the programme and writing-up (3 years total) and a generous research budget. Funding for specific training courses is also included in the Institute of Cancer Therapeutics’ Doctoral Training Centre.

International student applications are welcome, but these candidates will need to identify the additional funding required for overseas tuition fees; outstanding students may be eligible for a University bursary - please enquire.

How to apply:

You should submit:

• a CV (max. 2 pages), and a covering letter/expression of interest, outlining your background and interest in the project to principal supervisor Dr Jürgen Müller (j.muller@bradford.ac.uk)
• In addition, please apply formally to the University.

Informal enquiries can be sent to the principal supervisor (j.muller@bradford.ac.uk); further information on our research and facilities is available at www.bradford.ac.uk/ict.

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