Multimodal analysis of the locoregional immune response to improve management and outcomes in patients with oesophagogastric cancer

ARCTIC Leeds-Manchester Clinical PhD Studentship available in the School of Medicine in 2025/26. This studentship is open to UK applicants and covers PhD tuition fees, clinical salary and project running costs. <br /> <br /> This PhD provides an exciting opportunity for a doctor in UK histopathology training ST1-3 to pursue postgraduate research on the locoregional immune response generated by oesophagogastric cancer to improve management and patient outcomes.

<p style="margin-bottom:11px">This studentship is based in Pathology and Data Analytics, St James’s University Hospital, University of Leeds, with at least 6 months at the Dept of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science, University of Manchester and up to two months at the Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR Singapore. Supervision is provided by Prof Grabsch (Leeds), Prof Gardner (Manchester), Dr Joe Yeong (Singapore) and colleagues. The student will characterise the immune response in tumour draining lymph nodes from patients with oesophageal or gastric cancer (OeGC) and take advantage of our unique collection of materials and data from >2,800 OeGC patients across three phase III clinical trials with >53,000 histology slides scanned ready for in-house development of new AI algorithms. The student will learn how state-of-the-art Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy can be used for unbiased cell identification and validated by multiplex immunofluorescence and related technology. Clinical Histopathology experience is required by the candidate.  </p> <p> </p> <p>Aims:</p> <p>(1) To improve understanding of immune response in tumour draining lymph nodes including its relationship with the immune response in primary tumour.</p> <p>(2) Identification of subtypes of cells driving the lymph node immune response and effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy.</p> <p>(3) Investigate the clinical and biological importance of FT-IR spectroscopy identified cell populations using multiplex immunofluorescent technology in a large cohort of OeGC patients from clinical trials with mature outcome data.</p> <p> </p> <p>Impact: Discovery of potential new therapy targets which are urgently needed in patients with oesophagogastric cancer to improve patient survival including quality of life.</p> <p>All three laboratories have excellent facilities and supervisors are leaders in their field.  The student would join a successful clinical PhD programme within Leeds, the largest academic Pathology training programme in the UK.</p>

<p style="margin-bottom:11px">To apply for this scholarship opportunity applicants should complete an <a href="https://biologicalsciences.leeds.ac.uk/research-degrees/doc/how-to-apply">online application form</a> and attach the following documentation to support their application. </p> <ul> <li>a full academic CV</li> <li>a personal statement (1,000 words maximum) describing your suitability for the project, giving an overview of your relevant experience, research and clinical training.</li> <li>degree certificate and transcripts of marks</li> <li>Evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (if applicable)</li> </ul> <p>To help us identify that you are applying for this scholarship project please ensure you provide the following information on your application form;</p> <ul> <li>Select PhD in Medicine as your programme of study</li> <li>Give the full project title and name the supervisors listed in this advert</li> <li>For source of funding please state you are applying for an ARCTIC Clinical PhD Studentship</li> </ul> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Within the we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+; and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability. </p>

Applicants to this scholarship in the School of Medicine should normally have an Undergraduate degree of 2:1 or above (or international equivalent) in medicine and be in a GMC-recognised UK clinical training programme. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact Jo Bentley J.Bentley@leeds.ac.uk or the Admissions Team prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for postgraduate research study in the School of Medicine is an IELTS of 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid.

<p style="margin-bottom:11px">The School of Medicine invites applications from prospective postgraduate researchers to commence PhD study in 2025/26 for the ARCTIC Leeds-Manchester PhD Studentship (locoregional immune response in oesophagogastric cancer).</p> <p>The award is open to candidates (UK only) who meet the eligibility for a place on a PhD degree at the School of Medicine and are at the appropriate stage of clinical training.</p> <p> </p> <p>Information about the Award</p> <ul> <li>We are offering 1 full-time/ part-time PhD scholarship in the School of Medicine for one UK candidate, covering PhD tuition fees, clinical salary and project running costs for three years, subject to satisfactory progress. </li> </ul> <p>Duration of the Award</p> <ul> <li>Full-time (3 years). The award will be made for one year in the first instance and renewable for a further period of up to two years, subject to satisfactory academic progress.</li> </ul> <p>Other Conditions</p> <ul> <li>Applicants must not have already been awarded or be currently studying for a doctoral degree.</li> <li>Applicants must live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds whilst in receipt of this scholarship.</li> <li>Applicants must be in a GMC-recognised UK clinical specialty training programme.</li> <li>Interviews will be held on 17th January 2025 at the MCRC Centre in Manchester and will consist of:</li> </ul> <ul> <li>a paper critique by the applicant;</li> <li>a discussion with the panel;</li> <li>a question and answer session with the panel.</li> </ul> <p>Prior to the interview day, a full itinerary will be sent to you confirming further details about the process including information about additional activities that may take place on the day, as well as practical information on getting to the interview location. Virtual attendance will be offered.</p>

<p>For further information please contact the Faculty Admissions Team<br /> e: fmhpgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk</p>