Microfluidic models of 3D cell migration and metastasis in soft tissue sarcoma

Project Overview:

We invite applications for a fully funded PhD studentship position supported by SarcomaUK and their donors. The purpose of this project is to determine how extracellular matrix composition regulates the invasiveness, drug response and metastatic potential of cancer cells in soft tissue sarcoma, with a focus on leiomyosarcoma (LMS). The student will use a custom microfluidic model to analyse cancer cell migration, invasion and cell death in a 3D microenvironment that mimics the native architecture of LMS tumours. The model also has potential as a screening platform to identify drug or drug combinations that prevent metastasis in patient-derived cells or cell lines.

The project is a collaboration between Imperial College London and the Institute for Cancer Research. Primarily based in the cancer mechanobiology group within the Department of Bioengineering at Imperial, the student will have a second appointment within the molecular and systems oncology team at ICR. The supervisory team takes a convergence science approach to cancer, with expertise in microfluidics, proteomics, mechanobiology, and medical oncology. The supervisors include Prof. Darryl Overby (Imperial), Dr. Paul Huang (ICR), Dr. Sam Au (Imperial) and Prof. Robin Jones (ICR and the Royal Marsden Hospital).

The studentship includes support for tuition fees and stipend (approximately £21,000 per annum), along with full running costs for research activity, conference travel and publications. Applicants must be eligible for home fee status. Overseas fees are not covered. The project will start in October 2024, and is supported for 3.5 years.

Eligible candidates should be independently motivated, have good oral and written communication abilities, work well in teams and have obtained a master’s (merit or distinction) or bachelor’s (first class or 2:1) degree in engineering, medicine, natural sciences or another relevant field. Laboratory experience and proficiency in microfluidics, cancer biology, live cell microscopy are desired but not required.

How to Apply

Applicants should send a single email to d.overby@imperial.ac.uk with the subject line: “PhD Application for Sarcoma Microfluidics Project”. Please include a one-page cover letter discussing research interests and experiences, a CV/resume and contact information for two professional or academic references. Shortlisted applications will be invited for an online interview.

Closing Date: 5pm BST May 15, 2024

For further information about the Department of Bioengineering, visit: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/bioengineering/

Molecular and Systems Oncology Team: https://www.icr.ac.uk/our-research/research-divisions/division-of-molecular-pathology/molecular-and-systems-oncology-team