University College London
Job title:
PhD Studentship in the Developmental Biology and Cancer Department, UCL GOS ICH
Company
University College London
Job description
About usA 3-year PhD Studentship in Cellular Immunotherapy funded by the Little Princess Trust, within UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (UCL GOS ICH) in the Developmental Biology and Cancer Department. The studentship will commence from 1st October 2025 under the supervision of Dr Laura Donovan and Professor John Anderson.Research Project TitleB7H3 immunotherapy in paediatric medulloblastomaBackgroundMedulloblastoma (MB) is the most prevalent malignant brain tumour affecting children and adolescents. Among its subgroups, Group3 MB is the most aggressive, affecting the youngest patients. Despite advancements in standard-of-care (SOC) therapies (surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy), survival rates have plateaued below 70%; this encouraging survival statistic masks the troubling fact that survivors are left with severe neurological, life-altering side effects. Following SOC therapy, 30% of tumours fatally recur, with the recurrent disease responsible for 10% of all childhood cancer deaths. Only now are we beginning to comprehend the differing landscapes (heterogeneity) of the primary, metastatic, and recurrent disease, however no therapies currently exist for the treatment of the metastatic or recurrent disease, highlighting the urgent need for novel therapies and initial preventions.Antibody-based therapies hold promise for MB treatment, with B7H3 emerging as a prime target due to its high expression in tumour cells and minimal presence in normal tissues, reducing the risk of severe side effects. We have developed an anti-B7H3 antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), which serves as a ‘biological missile’ by leveraging the ability of antibodies with the potent killing efficacy of cytotoxic agents potent killing efficacy to eliminate cancer cells whilst sparing healthy tissue. Using our unique, immune-competent MB animal models expressing human B7H3, we aim to evaluate our clinical candidate anti-B7H3-ADC, evaluating the optimal route of administration, off-target toxicity, dosing regimen, and clinically relevant combinatorial strategies with low-dose radiotherapy.Hypothesis/AimsHypothesis:The anti-B7H3 antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) will significantly improve the treatment outcomes for Group 3 MB by effectively targeting and eliminating tumour cells while minimising severe neurological side effects. This novel therapy, when combined with low-dose radiotherapy, will not only reduce tumour recurrence but also induce the abscopal effect, where localised treatment leads to systemic anti-tumour responses.Aims:Aim-1: To perform in vivo toxicity analyses of our lead B7H3-ADC.
Aim-2: To evaluate the in vivo efficacy of our lead B7H3-ADC in single agent studies.
Aim-3: To perform combinatorial in vivo assessment of lead B7H3-ADC with low dose radiotherapy.Research and policy outputs1. Peer-Reviewed Publications: Detailed studies on the efficacy, safety, and mechanisms of the anti-B7H3 ADC from preclinical trial results.2. Conference Presentations: Presenting findings at national and international oncology and neurology conferences to disseminate knowledge and gather feedback from the scientific community.3. Data Repositories: Publicly accessible databases containing raw and processed data from the experiments, facilitating further research and validation.4. Collaborative Research Projects: Initiating new research collaborations to explore combinatorial strategies and the abscopal effect in other cancer types, such as neuroblastoma.About the roleKey Responsibilities– Conduct molecular cloning and a range of in vitro functional assays, including immunostaining, western blotting, ELISA, and flow cytometry.
– Carry out pre-clinical in vivo studies and perform in-depth statistical analyses of experimental data.
– Collaborate effectively with internal and external research teams to share data and expertise.
– Maintain accurate and detailed records to ensure data integrity and reproducibility.
– Contribute to the preparation of grant reports and manuscripts, and present findings at departmental and group meetings.
– Perform experiments on designated research projects under the guidance of the Principal Investigators (PIs).
– Assist with general laboratory duties and provide support to MSc students and/or new lab members.About youWe are seeking a highly motivated individual with a strong academic background in cellular immunotherapy or a related discipline.Applicants should have, or expect to receive a minimum of an upper-second-class UK Bachelor’s degree and/or a Master’s degree (preferably with a merit or distinction), or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard, or equivalent work experience.Candidate Profile:– Strong background in immunotherapy, with a working understanding of neuro-oncology.
– Essential: experience in molecular techniques, particularly molecular cloning.
– Desirable: experience in cell culture, flow cytometry, and bioinformatics.
– Essential: prior experience working with animal models.
– Excellent organisational, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
– Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.What we offerThis studentship provides a starting stipend of £22,780 per annum and covers the cost of tuition fees based on the UK (Home) rate.Funding is not provided for paid parental and sick leave. Unpaid interruptions can be requested and may be supported.Non-UK students can apply but if they are not eligible for UK/Home fees status, will have to personally fund the difference between the UK (Home) rate and the Overseas rate.NB: You will be asked about your likely fee status at the interview so we would advise you to contact the for advice, should you be unsure whether or not you meet the eligibility criteria for Home fee status. EU nationals should see this for information about eligibility for Home fees. See also to the (England: HE fee status).How to ApplyPlease do not click the ‘Apply Now’ button next to the advert.Enquiries regarding the post can be made to Dr Laura K. Donovan, [email protected]To apply, please send a current CV including the contact details of two professional referees as well as a 1-sided A4 cover letter to [email protected] with ‘Donovan LPT PhD application’ in the subject.Closing date for applications: Friday June 27th, 2025.Interview: Week commencing Monday 14th July 2025.Applications that are submitted without following the correct application process will not be considered.The successful applicant will then be required to apply to and register on the to take up the studentship.Anticipated start date: 1st October 2025 to be confirmed subject to successful graduate application following interview.
Expected salary
£22780 per year
Location
North West London
Job date
Sun, 01 Jun 2025 01:59:01 GMT
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