Developing and characterising novel targeted nanocomposites serving as adjuvants to existing standard-of-care cancer treatments

About the Project

One in two cancer patients will receive radiotherapy as part of their standard-of-care treatment. For patients with a localised cancer diagnosis effective radiotherapy represents the best chance for a curative outcome but is not without risk. Significant advancements in radiotherapy administration have helped minimise off-target effects. However, entry and exit path dose, along with scattered dose to surrounding normal tissue, often result in unacceptable side-effects compromising patient quality-of-life.

This project, in conjunction with our established collaborators (UCD – Dublin), will develop and validate the therapeutic potential of novel nano-composite materials. These formulations are specifically designed to overcome common technical challenges that have hampered clinical translation of nanotherapeutics. Composed of two materials, a biocompatible/biodegradable nano-scaffold, and an adjuvant designed to render tumour cells more sensitive to radiotherapy. The nano-scaffold will confer nanoparticle stability and facilitate intracellular internalisation, ultimately degrading to release the cargo designed to increase the radiation sensitivity of tumour cells.

PhD candidates within the Coulter Lab will develop expertise in assessing the functional impacts of these novel materials along with interrogating the underpinning molecular alterations resulting from increased tumour cell death. Specific targeting ligands may also be incorporated, which would dictate the specific tumour models investigated. Ongoing projects focus on conditions that include prostate cancer, head and neck cancer, glioblastoma and pancreatic cancer.

Subject area

Cancer biology, pharmaceutics, nanomedicine

Candidate requirements / Key skills required for the post

Applicants should have a 1st or 2.1 honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject. Relevant subjects include Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biochemistry, Biological/Biomedical Sciences, Chemistry, Engineering, or a closely related discipline. Students who have a 2.2 honours degree and a Master’s degree may also be considered, but the School reserves the right to shortlist for interview only those applicants who have demonstrated high academic attainment to date.

Relevant links / more information

• http://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofPharmacy/Research/PostgraduatePositions/
• http://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofPharmacy/Research/

Keywords for search filters

Cancer biology, Nanomedicine, Drug Delivery, metastasis

Training provided through the research project

The PhD candidates will be working in a well-funded nanotherapeutics group, with members from at least 5 nationalities.

From the start the PhD student will be involved in academic research designed to have translational/clinical application. Core areas for student development will include:

Research Skills: The supervisory team will ensure excellent training in pre-clinical in vitro and in vivo techniques providing PhD students with a broad spectrum of knowledge and expertise. The supervisors will ensure the student is aware of the translational relevance of the project and its potential impact on patient care.

Record keeping & monitoring: Monthly meetings with the student will take place with electronic records. Students must also complete a 3-month initial review and annual progress review to proceed to years 2 & 3. The annual progress review involves written work, presentation and/or mini viva.

Research dissemination: Students will have the opportunity to present at academic meetings, building professional networks, undertake personal development e.g. animal licenses, advanced statistics, all of which enhance subsequent employment opportunities.

Expected impact activities

Impact activities include but are not restricted to presenting the research to academic and industry peers through scientific conferences and students from different disciplines through the Graduate School. The student will also engage with patients, clinicians and key stake holders through a series of webinars/focus groups to understand how they can feed and shape the research plan. Other impact activities relate to commercialisation though IP protection processes, competitor analysis and engagement with clinical collaborators.

Funding Notes

This project is not funded; applications are welcome from self-funding candidates.