Investigating the low-to-high grade glioma transition using spatial multi-omics

Overview

Prof Greg Hannon, Dr Richard Mair and Dr Dario Bressan wish to recruit a student to work on the project entitled: “Investigating the low-to-high grade glioma transition using spatial multi-omics”.

For further information about the research group, including their most recent publications, please visit our website at https://www.cruk.cam.ac.uk/research-groups/imaxt-laboratory/

This is a unique opportunity for PhD study in the world-leading Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute (CRUK CI), to start a research career in an environment committed to training outstanding cancer research scientists of the future.

The Institute’s particular strengths are in genomics, computational biology and imaging; and significant research effort is currently devoted to cancers arising in the breast, pancreas, brain, and colon. Our Core Facilities provide researchers with access to state-of-the-art equipment, in-house expertise and training. Scientists at CRUK CI aim to understand the fundamental biology of cancer and translate these findings into the clinic to benefit patients.

There are around 100 postgraduate students at the Cambridge Institute, who play a vital and pivotal role in its continuing success. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive working environment that fosters intellectual curiosity and scientific excellence.

If you are interested in finding out more about our groundbreaking scientific research, please visit our website at https://www.cruk.cam.ac.uk/

Project details

This project will be hosted in the Spatial Profiling and Annotation Centre of Excellence (SPACE), an interdisciplinary laboratory dedicated to developing and applying spatial molecular profiling technologies established by the group of Prof. Hannon after a successful Cancer Grand Challenge project. The laboratory routinely uses a variety of spatial omics technologies including spatial transcriptomics, multiplexed immunohistochemistry, single-cell genomics, 3D whole-organ microscopy and more, and actively develops new technologies for spatial epigenomics and multi-omics. The Mair laboratory is focussed on understanding low to high grade transformation in glioma, specifically concentrating on how metabolic changes (via mass spectrometry imaging) can affect cancer cell and microenvironmental phenotypes at the level of the proteome and the modified proteome e.g. phosphoproteome. The extensive ICARUS brain cancer biobank posseses uniquely annotated multi region primary human tumour samples that will provide the basis for this study.

The student selected for this project will use some of these technologies (Serial Two-Photon Microscopy or STPT, Imaging Mass Cytometry, spatial transcriptomics, Mass Spectrometry Imaging) on Low and High-grade glioma samples in order to assess the molecular determinants of the low-to-high grade transition and to identify potential prognostic and diagnostic markers, as well as therapy targets, for this disease.

Preferred skills/knowledge

We are looking for a student with a bright and curious mind, the willingness to work hard in a highly collaborative environment, and excellent communications skills, paired with a keen interest in cancer biology and in the application of new technologies.

Previous experience and theoretical knowledge of cancer biology, biochemistry, cell biology and imaging/microscopy will be appreciated, but are not an absolute requirement.

Funding

This four-year studentship is funded by Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute and includes full funding for University fees and, in addition, a stipend currently of £21,000 per annum for four years.

Eligibility

We welcome applications from both UK and overseas students.

Applications are invited from recent graduates or final-year undergraduates who hold or expect to gain a First/Upper Second Class degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject from any recognised university worldwide.

Applicants with relevant research experience, gained through Master’s study or while working in a laboratory, are strongly encouraged to apply.

How to apply

Please apply via the University Applicant Portal. For further information about the course and to access the Applicant Portal, visit:

https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/cvcrpdmsc You should select to commence study in Michaelmas Term 2025 (October 2025).

Additional information

To complete your online application, you will need to answer/provide the following:

– Choice of project and supervisor

Please ensure that you name the project (with reference code) and supervisor, where indicated. You are permitted to apply for up to three projects.

– Course-specific questions

• You will be asked to give details of your Research Experience (up to 2,500 characters).
• Your Statement of Interest (up to 2,500 characters) should explain why you wish to be considered for the studentship and what qualities and experience you will bring to the role.

– Supporting documents

Applicants will be asked to provide:

• Academic transcripts.
• Evidence of competence in English (if appropriate).
• Details of two academic referees.
• CV/resume.

Deadline

The closing date for applications is 4th November 2024 with interviews expected to take place in January 2025.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.