PhD Studentship Division of Surgery & Oncology
*Identifying potential therapeutic targets in non-melanoma skin cancer - a devastating complication of the genetic skin disease dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB)*
Certain genetic skin diseases predispose to developing non melanoma skin cancer. Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is a devastating genetic skin disease characterised by chronic erosions and blistering of the skin. Not only do patients suffer from continual trauma induced skin fragility, but are at a huge increased risk of developing Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Unlike spontaneously arising SCC in the general population, RDEB SCC are highly aggressive and prone to metastasis, with 55% of all patients dying before the age of 40 years from this complication.
A three-year PhD studentship funded by DEBRA is available immediately to join Dr Andrew South and the EB team at Dundee University, who have been working towards genetic characterisation of RDEB SCC. Using a combination of Affymetrix 10K genomic SNP mapping arrays and Illumina sentrix bead expression arrays, genetic changes have been identified that are specific to SCC development in both RDEB and non-RDEB individuals. This project will follow up a number of candidate genetic loci identified in our initial screens, as well as offering the opportunity to be involved in extending the SNP genomic mapping using higher density 330K arrays and a larger sample set with a view to identifying pathways and targets important in the development of metastatic SCC.
Applications are invited from well-motivated candidates with at least an upper second class honours degree in a relevant discipline. Candidates with Masters degrees are also encouraged to apply. An ability to demonstrate practical skills in cell or molecular biology would be an advantage. The successful candidate will work in modern laboratories within the Division of Surgery & Oncology, which is part of the School of Medicine, based at Ninewells Hospital, Dundee. For an informal discussion, please contact the lead project supervisor Dr Andrew South, tel: 01382 496432; email: a.p.south@dundee. ac.uk.
The studentship pays tuition fees at UK/EU rate plus a maintenance stipend of £12,600 per annum. Non-EU applicants will have to fund the difference between home and oversees tuition fees themselves, approximately £8000 per annum for 3 years.
Enquiries about the PhD programme at Dundee can be accessed at
http://www.dundee. ac.uk/cgi- bin/cgiwrap/ cafranks/ postgrad- research/ frameindex. pl?sid=
Details of the work funded by DEBRA can be found at
http://www.debra. org.uk/research/
Applications including a full CV, letter of application (2 copies) outlining suitability for the post and email contacts of two academic referees should be addressed to Dr Irene Allan, tel: 01382 632196; email: i.m.allan@dundee. ac.uk
*Applications by email will not be accepted. Closing date for applications is 12 October 2007.*
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