Biomechanical and Biochemical Phenotyping of Cancer Cells Using Deformability Cytometry and Coherent Raman Spectroscopy

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join our interdisciplinary team focused on advancing cancer research through innovative phenotyping techniques. This project will leverage our deformability cytometry (DC) setup and Coherent Raman Spectroscopy (CRS) to analyze both cell lines and patient-derived samples, aiming to uncover the genetic and biochemical underpinnings of cancer metastasis.<br /> <br /> If applying through the Chinese Scholarship Council, note that the deadline is the 3rd of January, and please get in touch with Dr. Julia Gala de Pablo as soon a possible.

<p><strong>Project Overview</strong></p> <p>You will work on developing and optimizing protocols for running both colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines and patient-derived samples through our DC and CRS systems. The primary goal is to identify novel biomarkers that correlate with cancer progression and patient responsiveness to therapy. The secondary goal is to correlate single-cell biomechanical properties with single-cell biochemical profiles, providing comprehensive insights into the genetic and biochemical drivers of metastatic phenotypes.</p> <p><strong>Key Responsibilities</strong></p> <ul> <li> <p>Sample Preparation: Develop and refine methods for preparing live single-cell suspensions from cell lines and samples from patient biopsies, including tissue culture.</p> </li> <li> <p>Deformability Cytometry: Operate and maintain the DC setup, ensuring high-throughput and accurate biomechanical phenotyping of cells. Working as part of a team, you will be involved in helping improve the current setup.</p> </li> <li> <p>Coherent Raman Spectroscopy: Utilize CRS to obtain detailed biochemical profiles of live single cells.</p> </li> <li> <p>Data Analysis: Integrate biomechanical and biochemical data using advanced image analysis and machine learning techniques.</p> </li> <li> <p>Collaboration: Work closely with postdoctoral researchers to integrate findings.</p> </li> </ul> <p><strong>Candidate Profile</strong></p> <p>This PhD project is ideal for you if you are passionate about translational cancer research and eager to work at the interface of biology and engineering.</p> <ul> <li> <p>Skills: Experience with microfluidics, cell sorting, Raman spectroscopy, and high-throughput data analysis is highly desirable but not essential.</p> </li> <li> <p>Attributes: Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.</p> </li> <li> <p>Impact</p> </li> </ul> <p><strong>Impact</strong></p> <p>This project aims to develop a novel, high-throughput method for isolating and analyzing live cells based on their biomechanical and biochemical properties. The findings will contribute to our understanding of cancer metastasis and potentially lead to identifying new therapeutic targets.</p> <p><strong>Transferable Skills</strong></p> <p>Throughout this project, you will gain a wide range of transferable skills, including advanced laboratory techniques, data analysis, and project management. You will develop expertise in microfluidics and spectroscopy, as well as proficiency in using machine learning for data interpretation. Additionally, you will enhance your problem-solving abilities, critical thinking, and collaborative skills by working in a multidisciplinary team. These skills will be valuable for a career in academia, industry, or beyond.</p>

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study Section that you are applying for <em><strong>PHD Physics & Astronomy FT,</strong></em> in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>Biomechanical and Biochemical Phenotyping of Cancer Cells Using Deformability Cytometry and Coherent Raman Spectroscopy</strong></em> as well as Dr <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/physics-research-degrees/dir-record/student-alumni-profiles/4301/julia-gala-de-pablo">Julia Gala de Pablo</a> as your proposed supervisor and in the finance section, <em><strong>please state clearly the funding source that you are applying for, if you are self-funding or externally sponsored.</strong></em></p> <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><em>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. Across all Faculties 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.</em></p> <p style="margin-bottom:11px">Applications will be considered on an ongoing basis.  Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application.  We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed.</p> <p style="margin-bottom:11px"><strong>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of Monday 3 March 2025 if applying for Leeds Doctoral Scholarship or Tuesday 1 April 2025 for Leeds Opportunity Research Scholarship:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 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. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><strong>Self-Funded or externally sponsored students are welcome to apply.</strong></p> <p><strong>UK</strong> – The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/138-leeds-doctoral-scholarship-2025-faculty-of-engineering-and-physical-sciences#:~:text=Key%20facts&text=One%20Leeds%20Doctoral%20Scholarship%20is,rata%20for%20part%2Dtime%20study.">Leeds Doctoral Scholarship</a> <strong>(closing date: Monday 3 March 2025)</strong> and <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/234-leeds-opportunity-research-scholarship-2022">Leeds Opportunity Research Scholarship</a> <strong>(closing date: Tuesday 1 April 2025)</strong> are available to UK applicants.  <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/60-alumni-bursary">Alumni Bursary</a> is available to graduates of the University of Leeds.</p> <p><strong>Non-UK</strong> – The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/48-china-scholarship-council-university-of-leeds-scholarships-2021">China Scholarship Council - University of Leeds Scholarship</a> is available to nationals of China <strong>(now closed for October 2025 entry)</strong>. The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/73-leeds-marshall-scholarship">Leeds Marshall Scholarship</a> is available to support US citizens. <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/60-alumni-bursary">Alumni Bursary</a> is available to graduates of the University of Leeds.</p> <p>You will be responsible for paying the overtime fee in full in your writing up/overtime year (£320 in Session 2024/25), but the scholarship maintenance allowance will continue to be paid for up to 6 months in the final year of award.</p> <p><em><strong>Important:</strong></em> Please note that that these awards do <em><strong>not</strong></em> cover the costs associated with moving to the UK.  All such costs (<a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/international-visas-immigration/doc/applying-student-visa">visa, Immigration Health Surcharge</a>, flights etc) would have to be met by yourself, or you will need to find an alternative funding source. </p> <p>Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p>

<p>For further enquiries regarding the project topic, please do not hesitate to get in touch with <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/physics/staff/10335/dr-julia-gala-de-pablo">Dr. Julia Gala de Pablo</a> by email to <a href="mailto:j.galadepablo@leeds.ac.uk">j.galadepablo@leeds.ac.uk</a><br /> <br /> For further information about your application, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:maps.pgr.admissions@leeds.ac.uk">maps.pgr.admissions@leeds.ac.uk</a></p>