Structural biomarkers of prostate cancer detected in remote tissue for diagnostics

Summary

Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for nearly 1 in 6 deaths [WHO,2022]. Many cancers can be cured or more effectively treated if detected early. However, current diagnostic methods, both invasive (biopsy) and non-invasive (MRI/x-ray scans), either lack sensitivity and specificity or are highly expensive. Additionally, all diagnostic methods require a hospital appointment, significantly limiting uptake of screening programs.

The global Non-Invasive Cancer Diagnostics (NICD) market was worth £84.61bn in 2021. EosDx's NISTA technology uses X-ray diffraction (XRD) to detect 'structural biomarkers' (signatures) within the primary tumour, distant organs, nail and hair samples (collagen/keratin). NISTA then uses AI-driven processing parameters to transform raw diffraction patterns into distinct datasets, enabling the identification and differentiation of cancerous samples. These structural biomarkers can be detected at an earlier stage than 'molecular' biomarkers used by current-state-of-art diagnostics (MRI/x-ray scans), and as samples can be mailed, there is no need for hospital appointments.

Key project objectives include: Optimisation of EosDx X-ray diffraction diagnosis device and tissue handling protocol Identification/optimisation of parameters for XRD analysis, reducing image analysis time. Establishing first-of-its-kind trajectories of cancer development in keratin/collagen samples, enabling identification of the development of cancer through XRD imaging.

This project will focus upon the use of XRD analysis of tissue generated from in vivo experimentation with orthotopic implantation of a prostate cancer cell lines, with the aim to identify structure biomarkers associated with prostate cancer development in remote tissues.

Important Information: Applications for more than one PhD studentship are welcome, however if you apply for more than one PhD project within Biomedical Sciences, your first application on the system will be deemed your first-choice preference and further applications will be ordered based on the sequential time of submission. If you are successfully shortlisted, you will be interviewed only on your first-choice application and ranked accordingly. Those ranked highest will be offered a PhD studentship. In the situation where you are ranked highly and your first-choice project is already allocated to someone who was ranked higher than you, you may be offered your 2nd or 3rd choice project depending on the availability of this project.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
• Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Publications record appropriate to career stage
• Experience of presentation of research findings

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• EosDx as a non paying funder, providing access to equipment
• Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)
• Department for the Economy (DfE)

Our fully funded PhD scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum is also available.

These scholarships, funded via the Department for the Economy (DfE) and the Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS), are open to applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.