PhD Studentship: Development of pancreatic tumour treating field system

University of Plymouth

Development of Pancreatic Tumour Treating Field System

DoS: Dr Torsten Bossing (torsten.bossing@plymouth.ac.uk, tel.:01752 437 414)
2nd Supervisor: Dr Shakil Awan (shakil.awan@plymouth.ac.uk, tel.: 01752 586 325)
3rd Supervisor: Dr Dominique Parslow (dominiqueparslow@nhs.net , tel.: 01752 202 082)
4th Supervisor: Prof Des Mapps (des.mapps@plymouth.ac.uk , tel.: 01752 586 325

Applications are invited for a 3.5-year EPSRC funded UDLA PhD studentship. The studentship will start on 1st October 2026.

Project Description

Several recent studies have reported the effect of alternating current electric fields on brain cancer cells. Cancer cell microtubules have large electric dipole moments and are influenced by a process in which an electric field can affect the way in which the dipoles organize themselves in the cell-splitting process.

A commercial system (approved in the USA) to treat active Glioblastoma brain cancer tumours using an electrodes which produce sinusoidal electric fields at frequencies of typically 250 kHz and 2.7 V/cm. The commercial electric field system is usually supplemented with chemotherapy drugs.

Pancreatic cancer patients only have a 10%, 5-year, survival rate. Little electric field research has been conducted on cancers (other than brain cancers). There is a need for a non-invasive treatment for pancreatic cancer. The pancreas is very difficult to operate on because of its position in the body - surrounded by other organs. The distances involved are larger than for brain tumours so it is essential to optimise the effect using minimum field gradients.

The objectives of this project are:

• COMSOL Multiphysics simulations of the design for optimal 2D and 3D electrode system for targeting PC
• Fabrication and test of the electrode system
• Development of variable amplitude and frequency control electronics
• TTF system on in-vitro models of pancreatic cancer and volunteers

The project will also involve support and collaboration with Dr Jon Gil-Ranedo and Dr Abigail Parsons.

Eligibility

Applicants should have a first or upper second class honours degree in an appropriate subject and preferably a relevant Masters qualification, with experience form at least two of the following areas: biology, biochemistry, neuroscience, electrical/electronic measurements and finite element analysis/COMSOL. Applications from both UK and overseas students are welcome.

The studentship is supported for 3.5 years and includes full Home tuition fees, Bench fee plus a Stipend of £21,805 per annum 2026/27 rate. The studentship will only fully fund those applicants who are eligible for Home fees with relevant qualifications. Applicants normally required to cover International fees will have to cover the difference between the Home and the International tuition fee rates. The international component of the fee may be waived for outstanding international applicants.

There is no additional funding available to cover NHS Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) costs, visa costs, flights etc.

• The studentship is supported for 3.5 years of the four-year registration period. The subsequent 6 months of registration is a self-funded ‘writing-up’ period.
• You can’t work full time while receiving a PhD stipend.

If you wish to discuss this project further informally, please contact Dr Torsten Bossing (torsten.bossing@plymouth.ac.uk) and Dr Shakil Awan (shakil.awan@plymouth.ac.uk).

To apply for this position please click on the Apply button above.

For more information on the admissions process generally, please contact research.degree.admissions@plymouth.ac.uk

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 24th April 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview shortly thereafter.