Category: 
July 6, 2009
Molecular Cancer Biology, Oncology, Imperial College London
London, United Kingdom
PhD fellowship in cancer metastasis – Applications are invited for a PhD studentship to commence 1st October 2009 within the Molecular Cell Biology Section, Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London (Hammersmith Hospital Campus).
Closing date: 26 July 2009
PhD fellowship in cancer metastasis
The Prostate Cancer Charity PhD studentship
Tumour microenvironment and Cancer Metastasis teams, Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine
Applications are invited for a PhD studentship to commence 1st October 2009 within the Molecular Cell Biology Section, Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London (Hammersmith Hospital Campus).
Sphingosine kinase-1signalling during prostate cancer cell motility, invasion and metastasis
A major clinical complication in patients with advanced prostate cancer (PC) is metastasis to bone. The impact of this problem is evident from its occurrence in 30% of men newly diagnosed with PC and up to 75% of patients at some time during their illness. Prostatic bone lesions result in high levels of morbidity with symptoms that can include severe pain, bone fractures, spinal cord compression and eventual paralysis or death.
In this proposal we aim to elucidate the mechanism(s) that underlie sphingosine kinase 1 (SK1)-induced PC cell motility. The major techniques used are: cell migration and motility analysis (screening video microscopy in Dunn and Boyden chambers), cell invasion analysis (Matrigel), cell co-culture, confocal microscopy, western blotting, enzyme in vitro activity assays and qRT-PCR. Depending on the results of the in vitro studies we will continue to investigate the suitability of SK1 as a potential target for blocking PC metastasis using in vivo models.
The successful candidate would be a motivated person, who wants to start a PhD project, has some laboratory experience, is familiar with molecular biology techniques and highly proficient in English. Previous publications are desirable but not essential.
Valuing diversity and committed to equality of opportunity
To apply:
To apply please send your CV, including the names and addresses of two academic referees and a motivation letter to both j.sturge@imperial.ac.uk and d.pshezhetskiy@imperial.ac.uk quoting reference: PCC-2009. Alternatively please post your application to Dr Justin Sturge, Department Of Oncology, SORA, Imperial College London, 6th Floor Cyclotron Building, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN.
