Immune function and exercise in patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis in women worldwide. There are on average 55,920 new cases of breast cancer each year in the UK. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) is a treatment for breast cancer in which chemotherapy is administered to patients prior to surgery. A number of studies have shown that physical exercise can help patients to better tolerate chemotherapy and work is ongoing to investigate how exercise can exert anti-tumour effects and improve oncological outcomes. The immune system has been linked with the anti-tumour effects of exercise. This project will investigate immune function in patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy, then as part of a wider international multisite study, investigate the effect of a 6-month exercise intervention on immune function and immune recovery during and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer.   

The successful candidate will join a collaborative team based across the UK and Sweden. You will be a member of the Edinburgh Napier University’s Graduate College and will be based in the School of Applied Science. The school is home to a range of world leading sport and exercise laboratories and equipment, including our environmental performance lab, a DEXA scanning facility, and a range of gold standard exercise testing equipment. In addition, our dedicated biomedical research laboratories are equipped with flow cytometer and cell culture facilities. Finally, you will join a vibrant and growing community of post graduate research students within the university, including access to our desk and social space in our recently refurbished researcher community suite.  

*Please note that interviews will be scheduled w/b 24/06/2024. The successful candidate will be expected to commence studies on the 1^st October 2024*

Academic qualifications

An undergraduate degree (at least a 2.1) ideally in a biological sciences, or sport and exercise science related discipline with a good fundamental knowledge of immunology.

English language requirement

IELTS score must be at least 6.5 (with not less than 6.0 in each of the four components). Other, equivalent qualifications will be accepted. Full details of the University’s policy are available online.

Essential attributes:

·        Experience of fundamental biological laboratory skills.  

·        Competent in immunological techniques, including flow cytometry.

·        Knowledge/experience of cell culture.

·        Good written and oral communication skills

·        Strong motivation, with evidence of independent research skills relevant to the project

·        Good time management

Desirable attributes:

Masters in a relevant biological sciences or sport and exercise science discipline.

Clinical exercise physiology knowledge and/or experience.

TO APPLY PLEASE CLICK ON THE ‘INSTITUTION WEBSITE’ LINK ON THE RIGHT-HAND SIDE OF THIS PAGE.

When applying, please quote the application reference SAS0191 on your form.

 APPLICATION CHECKLIST

·        Completed application form 

·        CV

·        2 academic references, using the Postgraduate Educational Reference Form (Found on the application process page)

·        A personal research statement (This should include (a) a brief description of your relevant experience and skills, (b) an indication of what you would uniquely bring to the project and (c) a statement of how this project fits with your future direction.)

·        Evidence of proficiency in English (if appropriate)