PhD Studentship in the Centre for Mechanism of Disease and Drug Discovery (MoDDD)

Overview

Location: College Lane Campus

Programme Description

The Centre for MoDDD at the University of Hertfordshire invites applications for a PhD candidate to join a 3-year QR funded research project to investigate the mechanistic role of disintegrin-metalloproteinases (ADAMs) in glioma. Gliomas are a group of brain tumours including glioblastoma, an aggressive cancer with a poor survival rate and limited treatment options. The research will focus upon ADAM15 and ADAM12, two disintegrin-metalloproteinases with elevated expression in glioma, which correlate with poor prognosis.

Within our supportive and friendly team, you will learn how to design and perform experiments that interrogate the molecular and cellular mechanisms regulated by ADAM15 and ADAM12 in glioma, employing cellular, biochemical and molecular biological approaches. You will develop the necessary skills to derive experimental data that could identify important roles for these molecules in glioma progression and that may support future drug discovery and development research.  

Eligibility

Applicants must be UK nationals or have permanent UK residence status. A certification of English language competence (minimum IELTS 6.5 or equivalent) for candidates for whom English is not their first language is required.

Our research environment is enriched by the diversity of our staff and students and we take a responsible approach towards further progressing inclusivity. Overall, 35% of our postgraduate research students are of minority ethnic heritage; 65% self-identify as females; and 16.4% have declared a disability. We recognise that subject level trends differ and that is why we whole heartedly encourage applications from people who identify with a protected characteristic; those from areas with traditionally low participation in higher education; and people who are the first in their family to study at university. 

Essentials

Applicants should have a good degree i.e. a 2.1 or higher in biological science or a related subject, or a suitable Master’s degree, as well as excellent problem-solving and communication/IT skills, e.g. use of MS Office tools.

Desirables

Experience with wet lab research e.g. at either undergraduate or post-graduate level.

Ideally, the applicant will have had previous knowledge and hands-on experience of cell biology or biochemistry and/or molecular biological techniques. She/He will be trained in areas of research relevant to antibody purification and characterisation, gene silencing and cellular assays. The candidate should be a team player but should also be able to work independently.

Starting Date and Duration

October 2025. This studentship is fully-funded by QR funds, University of Hertfordshire and covers a three-year PhD.

Supervisor Information 

• Salman Rahman PhD
• Shoib Siddiqui, PhD
• Maria Braoudaki, PhD

Application process

To apply for the studentship please click the ‘Apply’ button above to complete the application form and email it with a copy of your CV, two academic references, a copy of passport photo page, and copies of qualification certificates and transcripts to doctoralcollegeadmissions@herts.ac.uk.

The closing date for applications is 21^st July 2025. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an online interview in the second week of August 2025. If you have not had a reply within 3 weeks of the deadline, you have unfortunately been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Informal enquires should be addressed to Salman Rahman (s.rahman7@herts.ac.uk) or Shoib Siddiqui (s.siddiqui3@herts.ac.uk) or Maria Braoudaki (m.braoudaki@herts.ac.uk). Please note that applications sent directly to these addresses will not be accepted.

Closing application date: 21^st July 2025

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