Section of Experimental Haematology

PhD STUDENTSHIP in LEUKAEMIA STEM CELL BIOLOGY

Starting stipend of 13,000 incrementing by 500 annually

You will join the normal and CML stem cell research group to investigate BcrAbl localisation and its relationship to molecularly targeted drug insensitivity in Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML) stem cells.

• CML patients treated with TKI achieve disease control not eradication or cure
• TKI-insensitive CML stem cells persist (Graham Blood 2002; Jørgensen Blood 2007) and are the probable cause of disease persistence in vivo.
• BcrAbl localisation (nuclear vs cytoplasmic and actin-bound vs free) has profound effects on the cytotoxicity of TKI.
• BcrAbl subcellular distribution will be visualised by deconvolution fluorescence microscopy
• Mechanisms regulating BcrAbl subcellular localisation will be studied by mutation

The Section will relocate to the purpose built Paul OGorman Leukaemia Research Centre - a translational research laboratory for Haemato-oncology at Gartnavel General Hospital in Glasgow. This is the site of a new Regional Cancer Centre that will include the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit and associated leukaemia/lymphoma treatment facilities, providing both research and clinical work on one site, close to both the main University campus and the Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute for Cancer Research (Director; Dr Karen Vousden).

Requirements
You will be expected to achieve a good honours degree in biological or medical sciences; a post-graduate research degree (MSc / MRes) would be desirable. Molecular biology skills will be a distinct advantage, as well as experience in haematology / oncology, microscopy, tissue / cell culture and working with primary patient material. You must be computer literate with evidence of experience of report writing.

Applications
Applications including 1 page covering letter explaining why you wish to pursue PhD studies, and why this specific project, full CV, and names and addresses of two referees should be sent to Dr Heather Jørgensen, Division of Cancer Sciences & Molecular Pathology, University of Glasgow, Level 3 Queen Elizabeth Building, Royal Infirmary, G31 2ER, E-mail hgj1batclinmed.gla.ac.uk, Tel 0141 211 5444. Further information is also available from Dr Jørgensen.