CRUK-EPSRC Cancer Imaging Centre PhD Studentship 2014
Wolfson Molecular Imaging Centre
Faculty of Medical & Human Sciences
Tracer development and imaging to quantify and identify radiation induced tissue damage and associated tumour characteristics
Dr Adam McMahon, Dr Christian Prenant & Professor Kaye Williams
The objective of this fully-funded 4-year PhD project is to investigate oxidative damage to tissues through the use of PET and MALDI-MS imaging.
The study forms a wider network of research within the CRUK & EPSRC Cancer Imaging Centre in Cambridge and Manchester (CMCIC) – an exciting new partnership in the development of imaging biomarkers for cancer treatment. Despite rapid advances in medical imaging, an increasing gap is emerging between imaging methods development and translation into clinical practice. A major focus of the CMCIC is methods validation studies to support earlier clinical implementation and qualification of imaging biomarkers.
The studentship provides full support for tuition fees, conference/travel allowance and annual minimum tax-free stipend of £19,000. Due to commence October 2014, the project is open to UK/EU* nationals only due to the nature of the funding.
The project will involve the development of highly specific PET tracers by radiolabelling antibodies, antibody fragments and other "recognition peptides". Tracer targets will include oxidative damage to tissues, including that caused by radiotherapy. The successful candidate will both synthesize tracers and be involved in PET scanning and tissue imaging by MALDI-MS and immunohistochemistry. The PET imaging work will allow quantitative observation of the target antigens in-vivo, with MALDI-MS imaging providing supporting data regarding the spatial distribution of associated endogenous species and pharmaceuticals, where used.
MALDI-MSI is supported through collaboration with the instrument manufacturer, who is providing access to state-of-the-art instrumentation. The radiochemistry programme will involve labelling with [18F], [89Zr] and the use of the pre-targeting approaches in order to appropriately match the tracer bio-kinetics to the PET isotope half-life. Based on the set of tracers developed over the course of the project, the research will investigate oxidative damage to tissues through the use of PET imaging and MALDI-MSI and immune-histochemistry techniques.
Within Manchester, the CMCIC forms part of Manchester Cancer Research Centre, a partnership between the University, Cancer Research UK and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust.
We are seeking applicants with a background in chemistry, preferably with strong synthetic chemistry experience, a good knowledge of mass spectrometry and computing skills to support a keen interest in biological imaging. It is expected that candidates would hold a minimum upper-second class degree (or equivalent) in a related area. A Masters qualification and/or relevant professional/research experience would be an advantage.
Please direct applications in the following format to Dr Adam McMahon: (adam.mcmahon@manchester.ac.uk):
- Academic CV
- Official academic transcripts
- Contact details for two suitable referees
- A personal statement (750 words maximum) outlining your suitability for the study, what you hope to achieve from the PhD and your research experience to date.
Any enquiries relating to the project and/or suitability should be directed to Dr McMahon at the address above. Applications are invited up to and including 25 July 2014.
*Applicants must be UK/EU nationals who have been resident in the UK for at least three years by 1stSeptember 2014.
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