University of Newcastle PhD Scholarship for International Students 2017, Australia

Publish Date: Jan 09, 2017

Deadline: Mar 01, 2017

PHD SCHOLARSHIP - DNA METHYLATION HETEROGENEITY IN CANCER

Two PhD scholarships are available for students to investigate DNA Methylation Heterogeneity in Cancer under the supervision of Dr Heather Lee.

Cancer cells within a single tumour can differ in clinically important properties such as their ability to initiate metastasis or survive therapy, and a thorough understanding of the molecular characteristics underlying this heterogeneity will have important implications for cancer treatment. DNA methylation is dynamically regulated during development and globally dysregulated in many cancer types, yet little is known about the heterogeneity of this epigenetic modification in cancer. Recently developed single-cell sequencing technologies have allowed DNA methylation heterogeneity to be studied in unprecedented detail. Based in the Hunter Medical Research Institute, the laboratory of Dr Heather Lee will apply these methods to investigate DNA methylation heterogeneity and dynamics in cancer. Two opportunities exist for talented molecular biologists to undertake a PhD project in this newly established research team. Specific aims that could be addressed are:

  1. To determine the relationship between DNA methylation plasticity and cellular plasticity during epithelial to mesenchymal transition and metastasis.
  2. To investigate the contribution of DNA methylation heterogeneity to the heterogeneous response of cancer cells to therapy.
  3. To identify targets for DNA methylation biomarker development based on molecular characterisation of circulating tumour cells, metastasis initiating cells or putative cancer stem cells.

These research projects will involve collaboration with scientists at the Garvan-Weizmann Centre for Cellular Genomics at the Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney. Depending on the specific aims of the research project, the candidate will develop technical skills in cell culture, in vitro assays of cancer biology, in vivo models of cancer, DNA methylation analysis, single-cell sequencing technologies and bioinformatics

SCHOLARSHIP DETAILS

$26,288 p.a for a 3.5 year duration with a $1500 relocation allowance and OSHC (if international).

ELIGIBILITY

Open to international and domestic applicants.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Interested applicants are advised to email a curriculum vitae and cover letter to the address below.

Contact: Dr Heather Lee
Email: sbs-rsu@newcastle.edu.au

For more information click "Further official information" below.


This opportunity has expired. It was originally published here:

http://www.newcastle.edu.au/newsroom/research-and-innovation/research-degrees/phd-scholarships/phd-scholarship-dna-methylation-heterogeneity-in-cancer

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Disciplines

Medicine

Study Levels

PhD

Opportunity Types

Scholarships

Eligible Countries

International

Host Countries

Australia