Investigating the regulation and function of inflammatory fibroblasts in cancer for therapy development

Lead Institute / Faculty:                  Cancer Sciences Unit/Cancer Centre for Immunology, Faculty of Medicine

Main Supervisor:                             Professor Gareth Thomas

Other members of the supervisory team:   Dr Christopher Hanley, Professor Tim Fenton

Duration of the award:     4 years

Full time or part time:      Full time

Closing date:                      12/02/2025

Shortlisting by:                  26/02/2025

Interview Panel Date:      19/03/2025

The Experimental Pathology Group offers a PhD studentship in cancer biology, leading to a PhD degree from the University of Southampton. The project builds on our recent work (eg. BH Jenkins et al., 2025, Molecular Cancer; CJ Hanley et al., 2023 Nature Communications; K Ford et al., 2020 Cancer Research – most cited Cancer Research paper 2020/21; https://mydigitalpublication.com/publication/?i=741916) that aims to understand fibroblast heterogeneity and function in cancer, investigating how different fibroblast phenotypes promote tumour spread and therapy resistance with the ultimate goal of developing new types of cancer treatments. We are particularly interested in how fibroblasts inhibit the ability of the immune system to recognise and kill cancer cells. The questions under investigation will require the use of a broad range of cell culture and molecular biology techniques, cell-based functional assays, RNA sequencing and bioinformatics, analysis of human cancers and the use of mouse models.

We enjoy close links with NHS University Hospital Trust, Southampton and have a strong translational focus with excellent prospects for developing new therapies (eg. NCT05323656). The student will enjoy a vibrant multidisciplinary environment, take advantage of our ongoing collaborations with multiple industry collaborators and be provided with significant opportunities for excellent career development. Previous students/postdocs have been awarded 27 international/national and 19 local (University) research prizes.

Please contact: Professor Gareth Thomas –  g.thomas@soton.ac.uk

Person Specification:

We encourage applications from any suitably qualified students (with a 1^st or 2:1 degree in a relevant discipline and/or second degree with a related Masters).

Administrative contact and how to apply:

Please complete the University’s online application form, which you can find at

https://student-selfservice.soton.ac.uk/BNNRPROD/bzsksrch.P_Login?pos=7205&majr=7205&term=202526

 You should enter Professor Gareth Thomas as your proposed supervisor. To support your application provide an academic CV (including contact details of two referees), official academic transcripts and a personal statement (outlining your suitability for the studentship, what you hope to achieve from the PhD and your research experience to date).

 Informal enquiries relating to the project or candidate suitability should be directed to Professor Gareth Thomas (g.thomas@soton.ac.uk).