Investigating Extracellular Vesicle Signatures of Immune Modulation During Extracorporeal Photopheresis in Chronic Lung Allograft Dysfunction

About the Project

Chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) is a major barrier to long-term survival after lung transplantation, affecting over half of recipients within five years. There is an urgent need for therapies that preserve lung function and improve patient outcomes. Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is an immunomodulatory therapy that has shown promise in slowing CLAD progression, but its mechanism of action is not fully understood, and reliable biomarkers to predict patient response are lacking.

This interdisciplinary project will investigate the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in mediating the immunomodulatory effects of ECP. EVs are small cell-derived nanoparticles that carry molecular signals and play a central role in immune communication. We hypothesise that EVs released during ECP convey information from apoptotic immune cells to the wider immune environment, shaping and reflecting therapeutic effects.

Using serum and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples from the ongoing UK-wide E-CLAD clinical trial, the student will:

1. Characterise molecular changes in EV cargo and surface markers before and during ECP.
2. Investigate EV heterogeneity and determine cell-of-origin.
3. Integrate EV profiles with immune cell phenotypes, cytokine signatures, and T-cell receptor diversity to identify mechanistic biomarkers of response.

The project offers extensive hands-on training in cutting-edge techniques, including EV isolation and characterisation (Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis, transmission electron microscopy, Western blotting, conventional and single EV flow cytometry), molecular profiling (nCounter microRNA panels, proteomics), and immune phenotyping (cytokine analysis, TCR diversity). Students will gain experience in high-dimensional data integration and mechanistic analysis, providing a strong foundation for careers in immunology, translational medicine, or biomedical research.

The student will join a supportive, interdisciplinary team with expertise in EV biology, immunology, and clinical lung transplantation. Newcastle University’s Faculty of Medical Sciences provides a structured PhD programme, vibrant research community, and a strong focus on equality, diversity, inclusion, and student wellbeing. Cross-laboratory and international collaborations will offer exposure to advanced technologies and diverse research environments, while engagement with the clinical trial unit will provide insight into translational research and clinical applications.

This fully funded studentship represents an exciting opportunity to contribute to high-impact translational research, develop a broad skillset, and advance understanding of immune modulation in transplantation.

Funding

Students who have, or are expecting to attain, at least an upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject, are invited to apply. Funding is available for Home (UK) students to cover tuition fees, a tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate (indicative amount in year 1 in 2026-27, £21,805) and research costs, for four years. 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.

Funding for this studentship is awarded on a competitive basis and is not guaranteed; availability will depend on the outcome of the selection process and subject to final approval by the University.

HOW TO APPLY

Please complete the following application form – Google Form

Applicants can only apply for 1 project; any additional applications will not be accepted.

Applicants should send the following documents to FMSstudentships@newcastle.ac.uk:

• a CV (including contact details of at least two academic (or other relevant) referees).
• a Cover letter – stating your project choice, as well as including additional information you feel is pertinent to your application.
• copies of your relevant undergraduate degree transcripts and certificates.
• a copy of your IELTS or TOEFL English language certificate (where required)
• a copy of your passport (photo page).

A GUIDE TO THE FORMAT REQUIRED FOR THE APPLICATION DOCUMENTS IS AVAILABLE

Please submit your documents in the following format only:

• each document should be submitted as a separate attachment and should be named as follows: candidate surname, candidate name – document type. For example: Jones, Jamie – CV; Jones, Jamie – cover letter.
• Please submit .pdf documents where possible for your CV, cover letter, transcripts and certificates. Do not submit photos of certificates.
• Do not combine documents into one pdf. You may zip separate documents into a zip file to send via email if required.
• When emailing your application, please use the email subject header: FMS PhD Application 2026

Applications not meeting these criteria may be rejected.

Informal enquiries may be made to the lead supervisor of the project you are interested in.

The deadline for all applications is 12 noon BST (UK time) on Wednesday 20th May 2026