Newcastle University
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Award summary
100% tuition fees and an annual stipend of £19,237 (2024/2025 UKRI rate). International candidates will be required to fund the difference between the home and international fees.
Overview
This studentship will computationally investigate the heterogeneity of CAFs in NASH-HCC patients, employing bioinformatics and AI led image analysis of single-cell and spatial datasets, identifying features of disease stage, progression and therapeutic response.
Objective 1: Profile cancer-associated fibroblast heterogeneity in patients with NASH-HCC.
Bioinformatics analysis of pre-existing scRNA-seq data from HCC patient tissue. The student will learn to perform quality control, normalisation, dimensionality reduction, clustering, differential gene expression and trajectory analysis of scRNAseq data.
Objective 2: Develop new AI technologies to analyse multiplexed spatial imaging data of NASH-HCC patient tumours.
The student will analyse the first spatially resolved multiplexed analysis of NASH-HCC immunotherapy responders and non-responders, performing imaging mass cytometry analysis using standard published workflows. The student will work to develop advanced AI tools for image analysis, centred on detailed spatial relationships and specific cell-cell interactions, potentially limiting immunotherapy responses.
Objective 3: Perform an integrated analysis to identify serum signatures associated with CAF heterogeneity, tumour stage, progression, and response to therapy.
The connection between tumour stroma composition and immune cell presence and over 4000 circulating serum markers (O-link assays) will be explored, pinpointing serum signatures indicative of disease stage, progression, and treatment response.
Methodology and skills gained
The student will develop computational analysis skills, analysing and integrating large bulk RNAseq and scRNAseq datasets and highly multiplexed imaging data, also learning the fundamentals of machine learning AI analysis. They will be immersed in a thriving laboratory environment, with the opportunity to develop wet lab skills alongside their predominantly computational research.
Number of awards
1
Start date
September 2024
Award duration
36 months
Application closing date
25th July 2024
Sponsor
NIHR Newcastle BRC
Name of supervisor/s
Eligibility Criteria
You must have or be expected to gain a minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a subject relevant to the proposed PhD project. A master’s qualification will be advantageous.
Applicants whose first language is not English require an IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each subsection. International applicants may require an ATAS clearance certificate prior to obtaining their visa and to study on this programme.
How to apply
You must apply through the University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal
In ‘Course choice’ tab, put ‘Postgraduate Research’ in ‘Type of Study’, ‘Full Time’ in ‘Mode of Study’, ‘2024’ in ‘Year of Entry’, code ‘8420F’ in ‘Course Title’, blank in ‘Research Area’. Press ‘Search’, select ‘PhD Biosciences (FT)’, and save selection.
Either upload a document or write into ‘Personal Statement’. Put code ‘BI087’ in ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’. When prompted for research proposal, select ‘Write Proposal’. Type in the title of the research project from this advert. A research proposal is not required. Please upload a covering letter, CV and state how your interests and experience relate to the project.
Degree transcripts/certificates and, if English is not your first language, a copy of your English language qualification if completed must be uploaded.
Contact Details
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