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

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 on repurposing drugs against colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains one of the most commonly diagnosed malignancies worldwide and accounts for 9.2% of cancer-related mortalities. Despite advancements in treatment, 5- and 10-year survival rates remain at 65% and 58%, respectively, highlighting challenges in developing an effective treatment strategy.

Within our supportive and friendly team, you will learn how to design and perform experiments that interrogate the molecular and cellular mechanisms of novel anti-cancer drugs, employing cellular, biochemical and molecular biological approaches. You will publish your research in prestigious journals and present at international conferences. You will develop the necessary skills to develop in vitro functional assays with potential clinical relevance, generating data that could identify key roles for these molecules in CRC 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.

The prospective student 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 gene silencing, molecular and cellular assays. The candidate should be a team player but should also be able to work independently. This project will involve collaboration with a private sector biotech company and will involve elements of confidentiality and working with human cell lines/tissues.

Starting Date and Duration

January 2026. This studentship is fully-funded by QR funds, the University of Hertfordshire and covers a three-year PhD.

Supervisor Information 

• Shoib Siddiqui, PhD
• Maria Braoudaki, PhD
• Mehrnoosh Ostovar, PhD
• Sharon Rossiter, PhD 

Application process

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

The closing date for applications is 15^th October 2025. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an online interview at the end of October. 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 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.

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