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Location
Glasgow
Scotland, United Kingdom
Date Posted
12 Nov 2024

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Type
PhD Project
University of Glasgow / CRUK Beatson Institute

PhD Studentship – Bioengineering microenvironments for pancreatic cancer cell invasion

Glasgow
Scotland, United Kingdom
12 Nov 2024

NOTE: this position listing has expired and may no longer be relevant!

Position Description


Bioengineering microenvironments for pancreatic cancer cell invasion

Manuel Salmeron-Sanchez (University of Glasgow), Laura Machesky (CRUK Beatson Institute)

Pancreatic cancer is among the most deadly and metastatic cancers. Pancreatic tumours have an unusually stiff and dense stroma that might serve as both a barrier and a promoter of metastatic dissemination. We are seeking an enthusiastic student interested in a cross disciplinary project to probe the molecular mechanisms of pancreatic cancer cell invasion and metastasis. The student will combine bioengineering and cell biology to gain molecular insights into how pancreatic cancer cells invade and metastasise. He/she will perform proteomic analysis to characterise the stroma of pancreatic tumours to engineer specific parameters of the tumour microenvironment such as matrix stiffness, integrin binding sites, cleavable crosslinks and bound growth factors. These parameters will be varied systematically and a panel of pancreatic cancer cells will be analysed for their ability to migrate in 3D. Detailed imaging of the stroma and invading cells will be performed using state-­of-­the art 2-­photon and confocal microscopy and other imaging methods. The student will receive training both in engineering of artificial matrix and in the cell biology of tumours. The aim is to gain insight into which properties of matrix promote spread of pancreatic cancer with the hope of targeting these for future therapies.

More information about the respective labs can be found at:
http://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/engineering/staff/manuelsalmeron-sanchez/
http://www.beatson.gla.ac.uk/laura_machesky

Contact manuel.salmeron-sanchez@glasgow.ac.uk for more details.


How to Apply

Applications are now welcome to start in October 2015. This studentships is funded by Cancer Research UK and provide a generous stipend of £19,000 per year plus fees and running expenses. It offers the opportunity to complete a PhD in a world class research lab. Studentships are open to graduates with a very good degree in a biology or chemistry-related subject who also have an aptitude for experimental work. Students MUST be from the UK or EU. To apply, contact Prof Salmeron (manuel.salmeron-sanchez@glasgow.ac.uk) for more details. The deadline for applications is Friday 12th December 2014.