Precision Dosing of Conditioning Agents in Paediatric Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation and Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell Therapy Using Pharmacokinetic Modelling

About the Project

Children are not just small adults and as such we need to carefully consider the best approach to dosing them when using highly toxic chemotherapy drugs. However, this is far from the reality of situation. Cytotoxic agents are traditionally dosed according to adult doses, scaled by body surface area. Whilst these treatment regimens are often effective, we have to consider the implication of long term, life limiting toxicities as a result of using these agents. On the other hand, when treating the youngest and smallest of patients, we tend to be more conservative in our dosing approach, which can lead to sub-optimal exposures of drugs. We want to know if we can improve this efficacy and toxicity balance in childhood patients receiving these chemotherapeutic agents as lymphodepletion/conditioning therapy prior to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) or chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy.

To investigate this this PhD studentship will use real world patient samples to quantify drug levels using state of the art liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry technologies (LC/MS). You will gain experience in working on clinical trials and following good clinical practice. A population based pharmacokinetic modelling approach will be employed to assess covariates associated with variability between patients. The relationship between drug exposure and patient outcome e.g. donor type, toxicity, graft rejection, event free survival and overall survival will be investigated. This will allow us to create evidence-based dosing guidelines to benefit future paediatric patients receiving these agents for a variety of indications. This is an opportunity to participate in a translational pharmacokinetic research project which will directly benefit patients. At the Newcastle Cancer Centre Pharmacology Group you will work closely alongside other PhD students, Post Docs and researchers, each with great expertise in their field who are passionate about improving treatment for patients.  You will also be part of a wider multidisciplinary research network which includes scientists, clinicians, research nurses, pharmacists and patient and public representatives.

This studentship will provide you with a range of skills in bioanalytical science, clinical trials and pharmacometrics which will leave you well suited to a future career in industry or academia.

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 20^th May 2026.