Is the cancer-associated microbiome a key determinant of the immune response to bowel cancer or are immunogenetic lesions more important?

The award is open to full-time or part-time candidates (UK only) who meet the eligibility for a place on a PhD degree at the School of Medicine and are at the appropriate stage of UK clinical specialty training.

This studentship is based in Pathology and Data Analytics at St James’ University Hospital, University of Leeds, with 6 months in Pathology in the Christie Manchester Laboratories. Supervised by Professor Quirke FMedSci and colleagues in Leeds and Dr Chaturvedi FRCPath in Manchester it will investigate the importance of the bowel cancer-associated microbiome in generating the presence and level of the host immune response and the bacteria, toxins and genetic lesions that may be involved. This may lead to new methods of immune intervention in bowel cancer. Significant whole genome sequencing (2,023 cancers) and digital pathology data is already available from Genome England. Digital pathology algorithms have been developed and a series of digital bowel cancer cases (500), digital slides and archival blocks with characterised microbiomes cases (500) created to validate findings. Clinical Histopathology experience is required by the candidate.  

Objectives: 1) To determine whether the microbiome within human bowel cancers alters the host immune reaction to the cancer. Is there an immunosuppressant population that would benefit patients by microbiome removal or an immunostimulatory one that might be therapeutically enhanced or are both mechanisms at play?

2) Is the pks toxin involved in the immune response?

3) Does the immunogenetics of the cancer play a role?

Impact: Potential novel simple therapeutic approach in bowel cancer to enhance the immune response to improve patient outcomes through modulation of the cancer microbiome.

Both laboratories have excellent facilities and are well equipped. You would join a successful clinical PhD programme within Leeds, the largest academic Pathology training programme in the UK and benefit from the major Manchester Cancer Centre Research expertise.

Information about the Award

We are offering 1 full-time/ part-time PhD scholarship in the School of Medicine for one UK candidate, covering PhD tuition fees, clinical salary and project running costs for three years, subject to satisfactory progress. 

Duration of the Award

Full-time (3 years). The award will be made for one year in the first instance and renewable for a further period of up to two years, subject to satisfactory academic progress.

Other Conditions

Applicants must not have already been awarded or be currently studying for a doctoral degree.

Applicants must live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds whilst in receipt of this scholarship.

Applicants must be in a GMC-recognised UK clinical specialty training programme.

Interviews will be held on 17^th January 2025 at the MCRC Centre in Manchester and will consist of:

·  a paper critique by the applicant;

·  a discussion with the panel;

·  a question and answer session with the panel.

Prior to the interview day, a full itinerary will be sent to you confirming further details about the process including information about additional activities that may take place on the day, as well as practical information on getting to the interview location. Virtual attendance will be offered.

How to apply (if you want to make any changes to the process below please contact your Graduate School admissions team first)

To apply for this scholarship opportunity applicants should complete an online application form and attach the following documentation to support their application. 

• a full academic CV
• a personal statement (1,000 words maximum) describing your suitability for the project, giving an overview of your relevant experience, research and clinical training.
• degree certificate and transcripts of marks
• Evidence that you meet the University’s minimum English language requirements (if applicable)

To help us identify that you are applying for this scholarship project please ensure you provide the following information on your application form;

• Select PhD in Medicine as your programme of study
• Give the full project title and name the supervisors listed in this advert
• For source of funding please state you are applying for an ARCTIC CRUK Clinical PhD Studentship
• If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University’s minimum English language requirements (below).

Entry requirements 

Applicants to this scholarship in the School of Medicine should normally have an Undergraduate degree in medicine and be in a GMC-recognised UK clinical training programme. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact Jo Bentley J.Bentley@leeds.ac.uk or the Admissions Team prior to making an application.

English language requirements

The minimum English language entry requirement for postgraduate research study in the School of Medicine is an IELTS of 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid.

Contact details

For further information please contact the Faculty Admissions Team