About the role
Project overview
The student will work within the Chain, Yong and Boyle groups at UCL. The underlying hypothesis is that the transition from precancerous to cancerous state is influenced by heritable genetic diversity in the adaptive immune response, including diversity of HLA alleles and the TCR repertoire. These genetic factors account for the ethnic variation in cancer evolution, including the risk that a patient with smouldering myeloma will progress to myeloma. We will address these questions using patients from White, Black and Asian backgrounds recruited to the COSMOS study.
About you
We are seeking a talented, energetic and ambitious PhD candidate to study how genetic diversity in HLA and T cell receptors (TCRs) influences immune function and disease progression in patients with smouldering myeloma. Smouldering myeloma is a pre-cancerous condition that precedes the bone marrow cancer called multiple myeloma, although not all individuals with smouldering myeloma will develop myeloma.
Candidate profile
Essential:
1. First class degree or 2:1 in mathematics, computer science, immunology or related field
2. Experience with bioinformatics
3. Understanding of tumour genetics and immunology
4. Excellent analytical, problem solving and communication skills
5. Ability to work independently and collaboratively
6. Strong motivation, initiative and creative skills
Desirable
7. Peer reviewed publications
8. Experience of cellular culture and cellular assays
Applicants must quality for and meet by the deadline. Subject line must include the studentship title and your surname
For questions about the project, contact,
For application queries, contact
What we offer
This is a full time fully funded 4-year PhD studentship funded by Cancer Research UK, successful candidates will receive anon-taxable annual stipend of £24, covering tuition fees at the Home rate.