Understanding tumour mechanics: advancing organ-on-chip flatforms

The mechanics of diseases such as cancer is becoming a fast moving area of research. The mechanical cues that cells and tissues receive can drive disease progression and lead to drug resistance in solid tumours. Current methods for testing drugs in the lab do so on monolayers or 3D cultures of cells that do not fully take into account the mechanical microenvironment of cells and therefore do not encompass these vastly important physical barriers to drug delivery. This project will involve the measurement and investigation into how cells remodel their environment in solid tumours to become mechanically stiff and how this provides a barrier to drug delivery. The project will develop new microfluidic ‘organ-on-chip’ platforms to model these physical properties, with the aim of investigating new therapeutic routes that breakdown the mechanically stiff environment of tumours to improve drug delivery.

<p>The mechanics of diseases such as cancer is becoming a fast moving area of research. The mechanical cues that cells and tissues receive can drive disease progression and lead to drug resistance in solid tumours. The stiff, scar-like environment of tumours can resist penetration of drugs into the tumour and in addition, the high interstitial fluid pressure can drive any drugs out. Current methods for testing drugs in the lab do so on monolayers or 3D cultures of cells that do not fully take into account the mechanical microenvironment of cells and therefore do not encompass these vastly important physical barriers to drug delivery.</p> <p>This project will use specialised instrumentation such as Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and rheology to measure and investigate into how cells remodel their environment in solid tumours to become mechanically stiff and how this provides a barrier to drug resistance. Other, newly developed methods for probing the mechanical properties of cells and tissues, such as deformation cytometry, will also be used. The project will ultimately design and develop new microfluidic &lsquo;organ-on-chip&rsquo; platforms to model these physical properties, based on the understanding gained through &lsquo;off-chip&rsquo; measurements for testing new drugs. A priority being the investigation of new therapeutic routes that breakdown the mechanically stiff environment of tumours to improve drug delivery.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University&#39;s website</a>. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study that you are applying for <em><strong>PHD Physics &amp; Astronomy FT</strong></em> in the research information section&nbsp;that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>Understanding tumour mechanics: advancing organ-on-chip flatforms</strong></em>&nbsp;as well as&nbsp;<a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/physics/staff/4125/dr-sally-a-peyman">Dr Sally Peyman</a> as your proposed supervisor.</p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University&#39;s minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p style="margin-bottom:11px"><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 class="MsoNoSpacing">Applications will be considered on an ongoing basis. &nbsp;Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application. &nbsp;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>Please note that you must provide the following documents at the point you submit your application:</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> <li>Funding information including any alternative sources of funding that you are applying for or if you are able to pay your own fees and maintenance</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p>

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 style="margin-bottom:12px"><strong>Self-Funded or externally sponsored students are welcome to apply.</strong></p> <p><strong>UK</strong>&nbsp;&ndash;&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/209-leeds-doctoral-scholarships-2022">Leeds Doctoral Scholarships</a> and <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/234-leeds-opportunity-research-scholarship-2022">Leeds Opportunity Research Scholarship</a> are available to UK applicants. The&nbsp;<a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/102-bell-burnell-scholarship-award-awarded-by-the-iop">Bell Burnell Scholarship Award</a>&nbsp;is available to support applicants who are from groups that are currently under-represented in physics (awarded by the IOP) (open from October 2023).&nbsp; <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> &ndash; The&nbsp;<a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/102-bell-burnell-scholarship-award-awarded-by-the-iop">Bell Burnell Scholarship Award</a>&nbsp;is available to support applicants who are from groups that are currently under-represented in physics (awarded by the IOP).&nbsp; &nbsp;The&nbsp;<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>&nbsp;is available to nationals of China (open from October 2023). The&nbsp;<a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/73-leeds-marshall-scholarship">Leeds Marshall Scholarship</a>&nbsp;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><strong>Important:</strong>&nbsp; Any costs associated with your arrival at the University of Leeds to start your PhD including flights, immigration health surcharge/medical insurance and Visa costs are<strong> not</strong> covered under this studentship.</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 information regarding your application, please contact Doctoral College Admissions by&nbsp;email:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:maps.pgr.admissions@leeds.ac.uk">maps.pgr.admissions</a><a href="mailto:EMAIL@leeds.ac.uk">@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>For further information about the project, please contact Dr Sally Peyman by&nbsp;email:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:S.Peyman@leeds.ac.uk">S.Peyman@leeds.ac.uk</a></p>