Cancer Research@Birmingham: early detection and better treatment

A collaborative opportunity between the University of Birmingham, Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust and Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals & Healthcare Charity, and the Michael Marsh Charitable Trust

Two PhD projects are available to undertake laboratory scientific research into the early detection and treatment of cancer. These represent a unique collaborative partnership between the University of Birmingham, Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust and Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals & Healthcare Charity & The Michael Marsh Charitable Trust

The posts are led by supervisors from the University of Birmingham and Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust.

Two separate PhD projects are available for immediate application:

1.        The first will work with a research team to undertake new approaches that may allow the early and sensitive detection of cancer for patients at high risk or for population screening. In particular, this will be assessing how alterations in immune function accumulate in patients with cancer, how these can be measured using novel technologies, and how this ‘fingerprint’ may potentially be of value in detection of cancer before it reaches an advanced stage. This work will be supervised by Professor Moss, Professor Sundar and Dr Zuo.

‘Early detection’ is currently an area of great interest in cancer research and, as such, the applicant will receive experience and training that will be highly relevant for future studies.

2.        The second post will study the importance of the natural killer cell in the control and treatment of cancer. Natural Killer (NK) cells are a common white cell in the blood and have the capacity to kill tumour cells as they arise. Evidence of NK cell ‘immune evasion’ is seen in almost all patients with cancer and, if this could be overcome, there may be the potential to develop new NK-based treatments. This PhD will study NK cell immune evasion in patients with leukaemia and is supervised by Professor Moss, Dr Wandroo, Dr Zuo and Dr Parry.

NK cell therapies are highly topical and this experience in cancer immunotherapy would provide outstanding training and future potential opportunities.

The laboratory research would take place within

the laboratory of Professor Moss (https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/staff/profiles/immunology-immunotherapy/moss-paul). The group has excellent laboratory facilities and a strong and proven track record in PhD supervision

Person Specification

We are seeking talented and motivated students who share our passion for controlling cancer. The West Midlands is a diverse community and we seek to reflect this in our research team. Consideration of equality, diversity and inclusion is central in our ambition.

Applicants should have a strong background in biomedical research, and ideally a background in immunology or cancer research. They should have a commitment to research in this area and hold or realistically expect to obtain at least an Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a relevant subject. A masters degree in a relevant subject area is desirable.

How to apply

Informal enquires can be made to Professor Moss (p.moss@bham.ac.uk) or Dr Jianmin Zuo (j.zuo@bham.ac.uk)

Applications should be directed to Rachel Bruton (email r.k.bruton@bham.ac.uk). By 20th June 2024.

To apply, please send:

•          A detailed CV, including your nationality and country of birth;

•          Names and addresses of two referees;

•          A covering letter highlighting your research experience/capabilities;