Development and Testing of Ex-Vivo Human Myeloma Model for Personalised Medicine Applications

About the Project

Development and Testing of Ex-Vivo Human Myeloma Model for Personalised Medicine Applications

Multiple Myeloma (MM) is the second most common blood cancer, defined by its dependence on the supportive Bone Marrow Microenvironment (BMME). This niche is a critical barrier, shielding MM cells from treatment and driving disease progression, leading to a poor prognosis. The disease's high variability between patients and within individual tumours (clonal heterogeneity) demands personalised therapeutic approaches.

The Critical Research Gap

Current preclinical models—including traditional cell cultures and animal models—fail to accurately replicate the complex, reciprocal interaction between MM cells and the BMME. This fundamental flaw hinders the accurate prediction of treatment efficacy and limits drug discovery.

Project Aim and Objectives

This PhD project, supervised by Dr. Zahraa Al-Ahmady and Dr. Michelle Lawson, aims to bridge this translational gap by developing an innovative, animal-free, ex vivo human MM platform that better replicates the tumour-promoting niche and disease heterogeneity.

The specific objectives are to:

1. Develop a Long-Term 3D Co-culture System: Establish an animal-free, long-term 3D system using a tailored Vitronectin-Alginate-Laminin (VAL)-based extracellular matrix to provide the necessary structural and molecular support for patient-derived MM cells.
2. Replicate BMME Function: Implement an advanced platform, such as a microfluidic growth chamber, to mimic the dynamic, reciprocal tumour-microenvironment functions and preserve clonal heterogeneity for optimal treatment response prediction.
3. Replace Animal Models: Deliver a scientifically superior, MM model (potentially replacing an estimated 8,000 mice globally per year), supported by a robust strategy for community adoption.

Expected Impact

By creating this novel, personalised, human model, this research will transform therapeutic testing and accelerate the delivery of effective treatments for Multiple Myeloma patients.

This is a very exciting research opportunity at the University of Sheffield, a recognised hub for blood cancer research and biophysical innovation, focusing on advanced translational haematology. The project aims to apply biomaterials-based innovation to solve urgent medical challenges in myeloma research. The work will be primarily based in Dr Al-Ahmady's lab and co-supervised by Dr Michelle Lawson, a Senior Lecturer and School Director of Postgraduate Research. The project will also run in collaboration with Dr Yevonne Reinwald (Nottingham Trent University) and Dr Deeplai Pal (University of Bristol). The opportunity allows the successful candidate to work at the forefront of the field, effectively bridging biophysics, biomaterials science, and clinical medicine to impact blood cancer treatment.

Proposed start date:

01 October 2026

Entry Requirements:

Candidates must have a first or upper second class honours degree or significant research experience.

Preferable: MSc in Cancer Biology / Pharmacology / or Biomaterials. Previous experience with cell culture and cell viability assays.

How to apply:

Please complete a University Postgraduate Research Application form available here: www.shef.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/apply

Please clearly state the prospective main supervisor in the respective box and select School of Allied Health Professions, Pharmacy, Nursing and Midwifery as the department.

Enquiries:

Interested candidates should in the first instance contact: Dr Zahraa Al-Ahmady (z.al-ahmady@sheffield.ac.uk)

Funding Notes

This is open to home and overseas self-funded applicants.

This project is for 3.5 years, so will require 3.5 years of fees and will require an additional £10,000 per year to run the project.