About the Project
Open to: UK and international applicants
Funding Providers: Swansea University
Subject Area: Cancer Biology, Translational Oncology, Cancer Immunology, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Biotherapeutics and Protein Engineering
Project Start Dates:
- October 2026
- January 2027
(Please see the note below regarding potential later start dates.)
In exceptional circumstances, and subject to the discretion of the University and/or the relevant funding body, a deferral of offer may be granted to the next available enrolment period. Such deferral will typically not exceed a duration of three calendar months from the originally stipulated commencement date. Please note that only one deferral may be considered, and any such deferral is not guaranteed.
Supervisors:
- SU: Prof Deya Gonzalez
- SU: Prof Lewis Francis
- HMRI: Professor Chih-Chi Andrew Hu
Aligned programme of study: Biomedical Sciences FMHLS, Swansea University & Houston Methodist Research Institute, Texas, Collaborative PhD.
Mode of study: Full-time
Place of study:
- Swansea University (Singleton Campus)
- Houston Methodist Research Institute
(Time spent at both universities)
Project description:
Nanobody-based precision targeting tools for theranostic applications in gynaecological cancers
Swansea University and Houston Methodist Research Institute (HMRI) are pleased to offer a fully-funded Swansea University Strategic Partnership Reseach Scholarship (SUSPRS) for full-time doctoral students to it’s nineth cohort, commencing in October 2026.
Swansea University (Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science) and Houston Methodist (Neal Cancer Center) are offering a fully funded international PhD studentship investigating next-generation nanobody engineering for precision targeting in ovarian cancer. Led by Professor Deya Gonzalez (Swansea University), an expert in translational gynaecological oncology and advanced therapeutic development, and Professor Chih-Chi Andrew Hu (Neal Cancer Center), a leader in nanobody engineering, cancer biology and molecular therapeutics, this project will investigate whether engineered nanobodies can overcome the biological and physical barriers that currently limit antibody-based therapies in solid tumours.
During the first 15 months at Swansea University, the successful candidate will identify and validate clinically relevant ovarian cancer surface antigens using patient-derived clinical samples, tumour slices, advanced three-dimensional tumour models and integrated genomic analyses. The remaining 21 months at Houston Methodist Hospital will focus on nanobody discovery and engineering, functional epitope mapping, tumour–immune interactions, and evaluation of novel nanobody-based imaging and therapeutic strategies in immune-competent preclinical ovarian cancer models. This unique international PhD provides exceptional training spanning translational oncology, molecular biology, cancer immunology, protein engineering, advanced therapeutics, genomics, imaging and preclinical cancer models.
The successful candidate will work within one of the world's largest medical centres and will have opportunities to publish in leading international journals, present at major conferences, and contribute to the development of next-generation theranostic technologies for ovarian cancer.
Applications may be submitted in Welsh and any application submitted in Welsh will be treated no less favourably than an application submitted in English. Please refer to the University’s Welsh Language Policy on Awarding Grants.
Funding Notes
This scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees and an annual stipend at UKRI rate of (£21,805 for 2026/27) - October 2026 onwards
Additional research expenses of up to £500 per year will also be available.
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