Careers

PhD: "Bespoke hydrogels for modelling cancer metastasis to the liver"

About the project

This project is part of the international “Mac4Me” Doctoral Network, which aims to improve our limited understanding of how to treat metastatic cancer. Adopting an innovative, multidisciplinary and cross-sectional approach, Mac4Me aims to understand tumour cell-immune host interactions at the metastatic site, including immune and matrix changes induced by tumour cells. It will use innovative animal-free organ-on-chip systems, reproducing early metastasis in brain, bone and liver.

Specifically, this project will combine 3D culture and biomaterial design to develop a more physiologically relevant, age-specific in vitro model of the liver. The successful candidate will optimise model design to include relevant extracellular matrix, mechanical properties, and cell types, while also adapting for combination with organ-on-chip devices. Incorporation of organ-specific macrophages will test the potential of macrophage-targeting compounds in a liver-specific setting.

The expected outcome is a drug screening platform with high predictive power for the efficacy of treatments for metastatic cancer of the liver, compared to current preclinical screening models which ignore matrix and immune contributions. The model will also be useful for toxicological screening of compounds, due to most drugs also passing through the liver (including those intended for other organ sites).

The PhD candidate will be placed within PeptiMatrix, a University of Nottingham spinout company dedicated to developing new synthetic hydrogels for 3D cell culture, currently based at the Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham. They will be registered academically at the School of Veterinary Medicine & Science, University of Nottingham, which undertakes research on life-threatening and life-changing diseases in humans and animals.

The PhD candidate will work in close collaboration with other Mac4Me doctoral candidates through a highly diverse educational agenda of online and face-to-face meetings. Importantly, each PhD has planned short-stay research visits with our European partners as an integral part of their PhD program.

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Entry requirements

Eligibility:

According to Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) doctoral network eligibility rules, candidates:

• Must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work/study etc) in the UK for more than twelve months in the three years immediately before recruitment

• Must not hold a doctoral degree on recruitment

• May be of any nationality

Candidates may have a biological or physical/materials science background, with a minimum of a 2:1 undergraduate degree, or a 2:2 with a related Master's degree. 

A willingness to work as part of an international, interdisciplinary team is essential.

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How to apply

This position is now closed. Thank you to everyone who applied.

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Role: Business Development Manager

About the role

The Business Development Manager will play a key role in driving the growth and expansion of our company by leading both sales and marketing initiatives. This dynamic position will be responsible for identifying new business opportunities, fostering relationships with potential and existing clients, and promoting the company's innovative products and services.

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The role will involve developing and executing strategic sales campaigns, nurturing leads through the sales funnel, and creating impactful marketing strategies that highlight our value proposition to the life sciences sector.

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The Business Development Manager will work closely with our multi-disciplinary team to align sales goals with marketing efforts, ensuring that our offerings resonate with target audiences and drive revenue growth. The ultimate goal is to position the company as a market leader in the life sciences industry while contributing to its long-term success.

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How to apply

This position is now closed. Thank you to everyone who applied.

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