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Project: Analysis of anti-tumour T cell responses
Ref:1617273
Closing date: Sunday 11 December, 17:00 (BST)
Description
The Tumour Immunotherapy and Computational Cancer Genomics Groups are seeking a talented and enthusiastic PhD candidate to study the molecular basis of anti-tumour T cell responses in solid human cancers. The interdisciplinary project funded by a Cancer Research UK grant aims to identify the key molecular pathways that govern T cell responses to tumour antigens through integrated immunological and bioinformatics approaches. Using primary samples from human cancers, the Quezada and Swanton laboratories are currently investigating the biology of neoantigen reactive T cells.
Under the co-supervision of Dr. Herrero the candidate will use bioinformatics approaches to analyse and integrate single cell RNA-seq, flow and mass cytometry (FACS and CyTOF), genomic and epigenomic data to unravel the mechanisms underpinning the regulation of T cell recognition and function within human tumours.
The candidate will study the relationship between intra-tumour heterogeneity, T cell clonotype heterogeneity, tumour micro-environment and T cell activation. The infrastructure to generate and analyse the data for this project is already in place. Besides the genomics and the cytometry facilities, the UCL Cancer Institute has recently invested in an MRC-funded state-of-the-art single cell facility. In addition, UCL and the Bill Lyons Informatics Centre provide access to large compute resources and various analysis pipelines.
- Duration of studentship: 4 years
- Stipend: £21,000 per annum
- Funding: Cancer Research UK
- Location: UCL Cancer Institute
Candidate
The ideal candidate will have experience in computational biology and a good understanding of NGS-based genome, epigenome or transcriptome analysis. You’ll be hardworking, dedicated and passionate about immunology. Familiarity with basic T cell immunological concepts and the field of tumour immunotherapy will be desirable. Candidates will need to demonstrate a strong track record of independent learning, problem solving, acquiring new skills and working in a team.
Eligibility
Please note that to apply for this scholarship you will need to need to qualify as a UK/EU fee payer and meet UCL general admissions criteria. For further information on fee status please see UCL fee status procedure.
To apply please send the following documents, quoting Ref:1617273 in the subject line, to CI.Scholarships@ucl.ac.uk:
- An Electronic CV detailing your academic achievements and research experience
- Contact details and email addresses for 2 referees
- A short summary (<500 words) detailing how your research interests and academic background matches the project and research interests.
Please submit your application by 5pm (BST) Sunday 11 December 2016. Interview date to be confirmed.
