Bespoke hydrogels for modelling cancer metastasis to the liver

This project is part of the international “Mac4Me” Doctoral Network, which aims to improve our limited understanding of how to treat metastatic cancer. Adopting an innovative, multidisciplinary and cross-sectional approach, Mac4Me aims to understand tumour cell-immune host interactions at the metastatic site, including immune and matrix changes induced by tumour cells. It will use innovative animal-free organ-on-chip systems, reproducing early metastasis in brain, bone and liver.

Specifically, this project will combine 3D culture and biomaterial design to develop a more physiologically relevant, age-specific in vitro model of the liver. The successful candidate will optimise model design to include relevant extracellular matrix, mechanical properties, and cell types, while also adapting for combination with organ-on-chip devices. Incorporation of organ-specific macrophages will test the potential of macrophage-targeting compounds in a liver-specific setting.

The expected outcome is a drug screening platform with high predictive power for the efficacy of treatments for metastatic cancer of the liver, compared to current preclinical screening models which ignore matrix and immune contributions. The model will also be useful for toxicological screening of compounds, due to most drugs also passing through the liver (including those intended for other organ sites).

Environment:

The PhD candidate will be placed within PeptiMatrix, a University of Nottingham spinout company dedicated to developing new synthetic hydrogels for 3D cell culture, currently based at the Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham. They will be registered academically at the School of Veterinary Medicine & Science, University of Nottingham, which undertakes research on life-threatening and life-changing diseases in humans and animals.

The PhD candidate will work in close collaboration with other Mac4Me doctoral candidates through a highly diverse educational agenda of online and face-to-face meetings. Importantly, each PhD has planned short-stay research visits with our European partners as an integral part of their PhD program.

Application information:

According to Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) doctoral network eligibility rules, candidates:

–     Must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work/study etc.) in the UK for more than twelve months in the three years immediately before recruitment

–     Must not hold a doctoral degree on recruitment

–     May be of any nationality

Candidates may have a biological or physical/materials science background, with a minimum of a 2.1 undergraduate degree, or a 2.2 with a related Master’s degree. A willingness to work as part of an international, interdisciplinary team is essential.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to the principal supervisor: Dr John Curd (john.curd@peptimatrix.com).

Candidates should apply online including a covering letter and CV. When completing the online application form, please select the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, then PhD Veterinary Medicine and Science (36m) and, once submitted, send your student ID number to SV-PG-VET@exmail.nottingham.ac.uk.

Any queries regarding the application process should be addressed to SV-PG-VET@exmail.nottingham.ac.uk.

Interview: February 2025

Start Date: 1^st April 2025

Closing date: 31^st January 2025