Award summary
100% of home tuition fees paid and an annual stipend (living expenses) of £19,237 (2024/2025). International candidates are required to fund the difference between home fees and international fees.
Overview
Are you passionate about cancer research, stem cell technology, and precision medicine?
This PhD studentship offers an exciting opportunity to work at thecutting edge of prostate cancer research, usingstem cell-derived organoid modelsto develop an advanceddrug screening platform.
Why does this matter?
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, yet traditionalpreclinical models often fail to accurately predict patient treatment responses. To overcome this, we usehuman stem cells to generate 3D prostate organoids, providing a physiologically relevant system for testingtargeted therapies. These organoids mimicthe complexity of the tumour microenvironment, offering apowerful and ethical alternative to animal models.
What will you do?
You will be part of amultidisciplinary research teamworking on a project that has the potential torevolutionise preclinical drug testing. Your role will involve:
- Generating and maintaining 3D prostate organoidsfrom stem cells.
- Performing drug screening assaysto evaluate treatment responses.
- Comparing organoid-based findingswith conventional preclinical models.
- Developing expertise in stem cell culture, organoid technology, and experimental cancer therapeutics.
This PhD willequip you with highly sought-after skillsinstem cell biology, cancer drug testing, and organoid-based disease modelling, preparing you for a career inacademic research, biotech, or pharmaceutical innovation.
Number of awards: 1
Start date: 28th April 2025
Award duration: 3 years
Sponsor
NC3Rs
Supervisors
Dr Adriana BuskinStaff Profile | Faculty of Medical Sciences | Newcastle University
Dr Kelly CoffeyStaff Profile | Centre for Cancer | Newcastle University
Dr Luke GaughanStaff Profile | Faculty of Medical Sciences | Newcastle University
Prof Rakesh HeerRakesh Heer Profile | Imperial College London
Eligibility Criteria
- A2:1 honours degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant subjectsuch asbiomedical sciences, cancer biology, tissue engineering, bioinformatics, or a related field.
- AMaster’s degree with strong research trainingis highly advantageous.
- Experience instem cell culture, organoid models, molecular biology, bioinformatics, or imaging techniqueswould be beneficial.
This studentship isavailable to UK students.International applicants may apply but must cover the difference between home and international tuition fees.
How To Apply
You must apply through the University’sApply to Newcastle Portal
In ‘Course choice’ tab, put ‘Postgraduate Research’ in 'Type of Study', ‘Full Time’ in ‘Mode of Study’, ‘2024’ in ‘Year of Entry’, code ‘8440F’ in ‘Course Title’, blank in ‘Research Area’. Press ‘Search’, select ‘PhD Translational and Clinical Research (FT)’, and save selection.
Either upload a document or write into ‘Personal Statement’. Put code ‘TC112’ in ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’. When prompted for research proposal, select ‘Write Proposal’. Type in the title of the research project from this advert. A research proposal is not required. You can also upload a covering letter and CV, please state how your interests and experience relate to the project.
You must submit one application per studentship, you cannot apply for multiple studentships on one application.
Contact Details
adriana.buskin@newcastle.ac.uk
