Evaluation of prognostic markers and drug targets for management of patients with adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC)

We are seeking talented, motivated students with a passion for research in adrenal tumours led by Dr. Cristina L Ronchi (web https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/staff/profiles/metabolism-systems/ronchi-cristina.aspx). Applicants should have a first or upper second-class degree in a relevant scientific discipline, and who are self-funded or have typically applied for, or secured funding for their studies from their government, employer or associated charitable organisations.

Project Title: Evaluation of prognostic markers and drug targets for management of patients with adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC).

Background: ACC is a rare cancer with a generally poor prognosis and partially unknown pathogenesis. Despite recent advances in terms of molecular prognostic markers and efforts to identify potential drug targets, the clinical outcome is still unfavourable and no effective targeted pharmacological treatments are available for patients with advanced ACC stages.

Design of the Study: Aim of the present study is 1) to investigate the potential diagnostic, prognostic and predictive role of clinical/histopathological parameters and molecular markers (i.e. variants, copy number alterations, methylation pattern, gene and protein expression); 2) to identify potential new drug targets and test the efficacy of available anti-cancer compounds in ACC cell models. To this end, we will use a multidisciplinary approach and different methods, including data collection, biostatistics, machine learning, targeted DNA sequencing and pyrosequencing, bioinformatics, molecular biology, and functional in vitro studies.

According to the preliminary results, we will consider to test in vivo the efficacy of most promising inhibitors by using xenograft models.

Research group: The Adrenal Tumour Research Group based at UoB IMSR and led by Dr Cristina L Ronchi is a multidisciplinary team, representing a wide range of clinical and basic specialties (from endocrinology to oncology, genetics, molecular biology and computational science), and including internationally recognized experts in the field of adrenal tumours. Existing links with the Birmingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and cutting-edge facilities within UoB as well as an exceptional collaborative atmosphere create an ideal the environment for the successful delivery of the project as well as a fruitful career development for the PhD candidate.

APPLICATION ROUTES

Applicants are invited from self-funded or scholarship-funded graduates ONLY

Applicants will be self-funded or will have typically applied for, or secured funding for their studies from their government, employer or associated charitable organisations.

Self-funded or scholarship-funded graduates interested in joining the team can select one of 3 different routes for undertaking a PhD in the field of Metabolism and Systems Research.

Applicants with research experience and/or Master’s degree should apply directly to the Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research for either a 3 or 4 year full-time PhD. This route requires applicants to submit a drafted research proposal.

Applicants seeking additional research experience or who have yet to complete a Master’s degree should apply to the 4 year Integrated Doctoral Training Programme in Life Sciences for Health, which combined a MRes and PhD.

Applicants will need to submit the following documentation during the application process.

• Detailed CV, including your nationality and country of birth;

• Covering letter highlighting your research experience/capabilities and why you wish to undertake a PhD in the team;

• Names and addresses of two referees;

• Copies of your degree certificates with transcripts written in English;

• Evidence of your proficiency in the English language, if applicable.

• Evidence of scholarship application/funding or independent funding.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

University of Birmingham offers pre-sessional English Language courses through the Birmingham International Academy.

For additional information on postgraduate studying at University of Birmingham please click – https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/study/postgraduate

For additional information on research at the College of Medical and Dental Sciences please click – https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/activity/mds/index.aspx

For additional information on research in the Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research please click – https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/metabolism-systems/index.aspx