JAMT: Novel Pharmacological Interventions to treat Endometrial Cancer

Women’s health has been recognised as a massively underfunded and under researched area and female specific cancers are no exception. Thanks to national campaigns and vaccination strategies there is high awareness and engagement surrounding breast and cervical cancer. However, the awareness of other gynaecological cancers such as endometrial cancer remains relatively low despite being the 4th most common in women in the UK. Importantly, incidences of womb cancer are steadily rising, attributed to several factors including obesity and physical inactivity. Therefore, more research is needed to uncover alternative targets for therapeutic intervention to improve survival and decrease the burden on the NHS.

This project presents an exciting and unique PhD opportunity to investigate an understudied G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that plays a critical role in gynaecological health and is elevated in endometrial cancers and correlates with poor prognosis. We have found this GPCR displays unique properties that makes it behave differently from other family members. Understanding how this receptor ‘works’ and what happens when we prevent it from functioning ‘normally’ will inform on how to design better drugs with reduced side effects.

The student will receive state of the art training in in vitro techniques including cell culture using immortalised cell lines and transitioning to the isolation of primary cells (from endometrial tumours). Additional techniques will be the development of molecular tools and fluorescent and bioluminescent readouts of receptor function utilising both plate readers and microscopy-based analysis of signalling (e.g. cAMP, calcium, MAP Kinase). These will be complemented by more traditional biochemical approaches to signal transduction (Western blotting, ELISA) in response to chemical inhibition or RNAi and changes in genetics after chronic stimulation (qPCR). The student will also be trained functional readouts such as proliferation, cell migration, etc. Finally, there will be the opportunity to be trained in tissue processing of human samples for genetic analysis (qPCR).

Informal enquiries are encouraged, please contact Dr Dawn Thompson (dthompson@abdn.ac.uk) for further information.

ELIGIBILITY:

Applicants to this project should hold a minimum of a 2:1 UK Honours degree in Pharmacology or a related Biomedical Sciences degree (Physiology, biochemistry, neuroscience etc). Those with a 2:2 UK Honours degree (or international equivalent) may be considered, provided they have (or are expected to achieve) a Distinction or Commendation at master’s level.

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 Dawn Thompson - [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.