A Geometric Deep Learning Framework for Rational Design of Personalized Cancer Vaccines

About the Project

This PhD project will pioneer AI-driven approaches to personalized cancer vaccines by integrating structure-aware deep learning, physics-based molecular simulations, and adaptive reinforcement learning. The aim is to accurately predict patient-specific neoantigens and rationally design improved variants with higher immunogenic potential, bridging the gap between computational biology and translational immunotherapy. Working at the interface of machine learning, structural biology, and oncology, you will contribute to next-generation vaccine design with real clinical impact.

For more information about doctoral scholarship and PhD programme at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU), please visit:

https://www.xjtlu.edu.cn/en/admissions/global/entry-requirements/

https://www.xjtlu.edu.cn/en/admissions/global/fees-and-scholarship

Supervisors:

• Principal supervisor: Dr. Chun Chan (XJTLU)
• Co-supervisor: Professor Eyad Elkord (XJTLU)
• Co-supervisor: Dr. Jia Wang (XJTLU)
• Co-supervisor: Professor Dan Rigden (UoL)

Requirements:

A Master's degree with Merit and a Bachelor's degree with first-class or upper second-class honors are required for PhD admissions. Exceptional candidates holding only a Bachelor's degree may be considered on an individual basis in certain disciplines.

Evidence of good spoken and written English is essential. The candidate should have an IELTS (or equivalent) score of 6.5 or above, if the first language is not English. This position is open to all qualified candidates irrespective of nationality.

Degree:

The student will be awarded a PhD degree from the University of Liverpool (UK) upon successful completion of the program.

Funding:

The PhD studentship is available for three years subject to satisfactory progress by the student. The award covers tuition fees for three years (currently equivalent to RMB 99,000 per annum). It also provides up to RMB 16,500 to allow participation at international conferences during the period of the award. The scholarship holders are expected to conduct the majority of their research at XJTLU in Suzhou, China. However, they may apply for a short-term research visit to the University of Liverpool if the project requires it.

How to Apply:

Interested applicants are advised to email Chun.Chan@xjtlu.edu.cn the following documents for initial review and assessment (please put the project title in the subject line).

• CV
• Two formal reference letters
• Personal statement outlining your interest in the position
• Certificates of English language qualifications (IELTS or equivalent)
• Full academic transcripts in both Chinese and English (for international students, only the English version is required)
• Verified certificates of education qualifications in both Chinese and English (for international students, only the English version is required)
• PDF copy of Master Degree dissertation (or an equivalent writing sample) and examiners reports available

Contact:

Please email Chun.Chan@xjtlu.edu.cn with a subject line of the PhD project title.