PhD Position in Vibrational Spectroscopy

This PhD project will be based in the Radiation and Environmental Science Centre (RESC), Technological University Dublin (Prof. Fiona Lyng and Dr Aidan Meade) which has research interests in the application of biophotonics (such as vibrational spectroscopy) to cancer diagnosis and prognosis. The project will be carried out in collaboration with the Trinity St James Cancer Institute (TSJCI) (Dr Sharon O’Toole).

The aim of this PhD project is to develop new minimally invasive tests to detect ovarian and endometrial cancer at early stage. Early diagnosis of gynaecological cancers such as ovarian and endometrial cancer can result in improved outcomes for patients because of earlier treatment. Current methods for ovarian cancer rely on the biomarker cancer antigen 125 (CA 125) and transvaginal ultrasound, both of which have limitations. Endometrial cancer diagnosis involves an invasive procedure to obtain tissue from the lining of the womb and currently there are no non invasive biomarkers for endometrial cancer.

This project will access the unique DISCOVARY bioresource of blood samples from ovarian and endometrial cancer patients. Vibrational spectroscopy will be used to profile the biochemical content of patient blood samples. Advanced multivariate and machine learning methodologies will be used to develop a classification model for early diagnosis using spectral data and clinical data.

We welcome applications from talented and motivated students with a Bachelor Degree (Level 8) in a related discipline (with an award of 2.1 or above (or equivalent)