Triple Targeting Therapy: A Novel Multimodal Strategy Against Glioblastoma

About the Project

This studentship offers an exciting opportunity to work at the forefront of cancer drug discovery, developing innovative peptide-based therapeutics for glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive and treatment-resistant brain tumours. The project combines cutting-edge molecular biology, peptide chemistry, cancer pharmacology, and translational research, providing the successful applicant with broad, highly sought-after interdisciplinary expertise.

The student will work with a novel 3-in-1 multifunctional peptide platform that enables simultaneous targeting of multiple oncogenic signalling pathways within the PI3K/AKT/mTOR axis. This approach represents a next-generation strategy designed to overcome drug resistance and improve therapeutic durability. The project moves beyond traditional single-target therapies and offers the opportunity to contribute to genuinely innovative therapeutic design with real clinical relevance.

Training will span rational drug design, peptide synthesis and modification (including incorporation of non-standard amino acids and lipidation strategies), molecular and cellular signalling analysis, cancer cell biology, and advanced in vitro functional assays. The student will gain experience in evaluating therapeutic efficacy, mechanistic pathway modulation, and safety profiling across malignant and non-malignant models. This combination of chemistry and biology provides a strong foundation for careers in academia, biotechnology, or the pharmaceutical industry.

Importantly, the project has clear translational potential, generating high-impact preclinical data to support future development of first-in-class therapeutics. The student will be embedded within a collaborative research environment, interacting with experts in cancer biology, pharmacology, and drug development, and will have opportunities to present findings at national and international conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals.

This studentship would particularly appeal to motivated applicants who are interested in translational medicine, targeted therapeutics, and tackling major unmet clinical challenges. It offers intellectual challenge, technical diversity, and the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution toward improving outcomes for patients with devastating cancers.

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.