PhD Studentship - CRISPR Kinome Screen to Identify Synthetic Lethality Targets in Meningioma

Funding amount: The studentship is supported for 4 years and includes full Home tuition fees plus a stipend of £19,215 per annum 2025-26 rate (2026-27 rate TBC)

Director of Studies: Dr Liyam Laraba (Liyam.laraba@plymouth.ac.uk) 

2^nd Supervisor: Dr Mahmoud Labib

3^rd Supervisor: Prof David Parkinson

4^th Supervisor: Dr Leandro de Assis

Applications are invited for a four-year PhD studentship. The studentship will start on 1^st of October 2026

Project Description

Meningiomas are the most common primary brain tumours, yet there are limited targeted therapies for aggressive or unresectable tumours. This PhD project will employ an innovative high-throughput microfluidic CRISPR kinome screening platform to identify genes that sensitize meningioma cells to brigatinib.

Using the Brunello kinome library, CRISPR sgRNAs will be introduced into primary meningioma cells. Cells will be exposed to brigatinib, then subjected to a state-of-the-art magnetic ranking cytometry microfluidic sorting platform. Phospho-ERK levels will be quantified as readouts of drug engagement, enabling the precise isolation of resistant and sensitized cell populations. RNA sequencing will be employed to determine the targets of sgRNAs in these populations. Bioinformatic analyses will reveal top candidates for synthetic lethality. Leading candidates will be validated using RNAi and pharmacological approaches, with a focus on drug repurposing to accelerate clinical translation.

The project will be based at the University of Plymouth, leveraging a molecularly annotated biobank of primary meningioma tissues and established in vivo models. The project timeline spans four years with overlapping work packages encompassing CRISPR library screening, microfluidic sorting, single-cell sequencing, and functional validation.

Training and Skills Development:

This PhD will provide training in molecular biology techniques, high-throughput microfluidics, CRISPR gene editing, single-cell transcriptomics, and preclinical validation. The candidate will gain experience in translational neuro-oncology research, working within a collaborative, interdisciplinary team.

Impact:

By identifying kinase targets that drive synthetic lethality in meningioma, this project aims to uncover novel therapeutic strategies, addressing a critical unmet need in brain tumour treatment.

Eligibility

Applicants should have a first or upper second class honours degree in an appropriate subject or a relevant Masters qualification.

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum English requirements for the programme, IELTS Academic score of 6.5 (with no less than 5.5 in each component test area) or equivalent.

The studentship is supported for 4 years and includes full Home tuition fees plus a stipend of £19,215 per annum 2025/26 rate (2026/27 TBC). The studentship will only fully fund those applicants who are eligible for Home fees with relevant qualifications. Applicants normally required to cover International fees will have to cover the difference between the Home and the International tuition fee rates.

There is no additional funding available to cover NHS Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) costs, visa costs, flights etc.

You can’t work full time while receiving a PhD stipend.

If you wish to discuss this project further informally, please contact Dr Liyam Laraba 

How to Apply

To apply, please click on the pink 'Apply' button above.

Please include the following documents with your application:

• CV / résumé
• Personal Statement (outlining your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake the project).
• Degree certificates and transcripts (please provide interim transcript if you are still studying). 
• Contact information for two referees familiar with your academic work.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview on/around week commencing 20^th of April 2026.

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