JAMT: Breaching the Barrier: Uncovering the role of YKL-40 in immune cell exclusion in lung cancer

About the Project

PhD opportunity: 3D imaging, human lung cancer and the immune-matrix environment

This project will combine advanced 3D microscopy, human lung cancer tissue and quantitative image analysis to reveal how the tumour extracellular matrix shapes immune cell exclusion.

Background:

Immunotherapy has revolutionised lung cancer treatment, but many patients still fail to respond. One of the biggest unanswered questions is why immune cells can enter some tumours but are physically excluded from others.

This PhD will investigate how the extracellular matrix (ECM) and immune cells are organised within non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and how this organisation promotes either immune infiltration or immune cell exclusion. In particular, the project will focus on tumour-associated macrophages and the clinically relevant chitinase-like protein YKL-40, a molecule linked to poor prognosis in lung cancer and matrix remodelling in tissues.

Using patient-derived archived lung cancer biopsies, decellularised lung ECM scaffolds and state-of-the art microscopy, the student will generate 2D and 3D datasets that reveal how immune cells interact with the tumour matrix in health and disease.

What will the project involve:

You will work directly with archived and fresh patient-derived lung tumour samples through close collaboration with the Grampian Biorepository and clinicians. Fluorescence and confocal imaging, alongside lightsheet microscopy, and high-content imaging and live-cell tracking will build 2D and 3D maps of immune-ECM organisation in tumours in relation to YKL-40 expression. The project will also involve generation and characterisation of decellularized human lung ECM scaffolds, human immune cell isolation and culture and investigation into how YKL-40 influences macrophages, matrix organisation and immune cell exclusion.

A major strength of this project is training in image analysis and digital pathology, including quantitative analysis and deep-learning based segmentation, spatial analysis. This project will work at the intersection of cancer biology, immunology and extracellular matrix biology, providing opportunities to develop cross-cutting skills.

Training and environment

You will be embedded within the Sutherland and Wilson laboratories, a friendly, ambitious, supportive and collaborative environment with a positive research culture. Alongside specialist hands-on personalised research training and skills development, you will also develop professional and transferable skills that are required for any successful scientific career. You will be supported to attend conferences, present your work, develop independent ideas and publish high-quality research.

We strongly encourage potential candidates to get in touch and discuss the project, the lab environment, and wider Aberdeen research community.

Please contact Dr Tara Sutherland (tara.sutherland@abdn.ac.uk) for further information.

Candidate Background:

The ideal student should be enthusiastic, highly motivated with strong problem-solving skills and be happy to work in a collaborative team environment. We are looking for a student with organisational and communication skills and who someone who is curious about science challenges. Ideally candidates whould have experience in immunology, cell biology or matrix biology with a 1st or 2:1 from a bachelor’s degree in biomedical/biological sciences (or equivalent), immunology, cell biology, pharmacology or related field.

Experience in the following areas would be an advantage: cell culture, imaging, microscopy, lung pathology, computational analysis. However, a full complement of training will be provided.

We actively encourage applications from diverse career paths and backgrounds and across all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status, amongst other protected characteristics.

Application Procedure

Important note: This project is open only to applicants eligible for the Home/UK fee rate. This includes EU students who hold settled or pre-settled status and meet the relevant residency criteria.

To apply, please submit the following documents via email to smmsn-pgrenquiries@abdn.ac.uk

• A cover letter addressed to the supervisor of the project you're applying for.
• An up-to-date CV detailing your academic qualifications, employment history, and any other relevant experience. Please ensure your current permanent address is clearly stated, as this will be used to determine your fee status.
• Clear copies of your degree certificates and transcripts (if available).
• Evidence of settled or pre-settled status (if applicable).

Please send your application with documents attached as a single email with the subject line: "JAMT Tara Sutherland - [Your Name]"

The deadline for applications is 23:59 GMT on 14th June 2026. Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered.

For any enquiries regarding your application or the application process, please contact smmsn-pgrenquiries@abdn.ac.uk

Funding Notes

This competitively funded research project is one of six opportunities currently advertised by the University of Aberdeen, seeking exceptional candidates. The James Alexander Mearns Trust (JAMT) will fund the project that attracts the most promising applicant.

The fully funded position includes UK/Home tuition fees, research costs, and a tax-free doctoral stipend of £21,805 for the 2026/2027 academic year (increases annually). The project is expected to start in October 2026.