The Institute of Cancer and Genetics is one Centre within the School of Medicine where students can conduct their research. Full details of all the research areas available can be found through the Medicine (PhD/MPhil/MD) programme.
The Institute is a merger of the Institute of Medical Genetics and sections of Oncology, Surgery, Pathology, Haematology, and Gynaecology Oncology. It brings together researchers to promote translational research, employing model systems to develop new cancer therapeutics and diagnostics and take them through to the clinic.
The Institute has well-equipped laboratories in 5 different research buildings and has over 50 principal investigator. The Institute currently trains over 70 PhD/MD students and is funded by a variety of Government, Research Council and Charity sources, with grant income of nearly £40M over the last 5 years. Previous research has made an impact on several human cancers and developed new technologies.
Programme Aims
Translational research focussed on the genetic and molecular basis of human disease with a focus on cancer. The Institute provides expertise and facilities to conduct research into human genetics and disease, prognostic and diagnostic markers for cancer, novel therapies for solid organ and haematological cancers, metastasis, cancer immunology and cancer cell biology.
About the Institute
Basic, applied and clinical research is undertaken. The areas studied include genome instability, the molecular genetics of cancer and inherited tumour predisposition. The basic research is undertaken with a view to translational studies. The aim is to provide new diagnostics for cancer risk and new cancer therapeutics. Here the development of therapies designed for specific individuals with specific cancers is an objective. There is collaboration with colleagues involved in a number of clinical trials.
Course Description
The program strategy is to drive research for the benefit of patients affected by cancer and by inherited disease in Wales and beyond, and at all points in the patient pathway - including screening, diagnosis, imaging, tissue studies, and clinical trials. The program will lead to a research degree in cancer and or genetics that could be used in a variety of academic, clinical and industrial settings.
Course Structure
All PhD students undertake a Diploma in Biomedical Research Methods in their 1st year. The Institute hosts an annual PhD Postgraduate Research day, which showcases the research of all 2nd year students, and introduces the new cohort of 1st year students in a “meet and greet” session. The Institute also hosts a regular seminar series featuring speakers (PIs, post-docs, students) from each research theme.
Skills Acquired
Students will benefit from gaining a range of transferrable and professional skills during their PhD study. Depending on the project, these could include laboratory skills in molecular and cellular biology, statistical analysis, bioinformatics, presenting skills (scientists, the general public), academic publication and grant writing.
Career Prospects
The PhD program will equip students for a career in academic research/teaching, NHS clinical laboratories, and pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies.
Eligibility
Residency: Full awards (fees plus maintenance stipend) are open to UK Nationals and EU students who can satisfy UK residency requirements. To be eligible for the full award, EU Nationals must have been in the UK for at least 3 years prior to the start of the course for which they are seeking funding, including for the purposes of full-time education. EU Nationals who do not meet the above residency requirement are eligible for a fees only award, provided that they have been ordinarily resident in the EU for at least 3 years prior to the start of their proposed programme of study.
Academic criteria: Applicants should possess a minimum of an upper second class Honours degree, Masters degree, or equivalent in a relevant subject. A medical degree and GMC registration is essential for some research. Relevant professional qualifications or experience may also be required.
Suitable for graduates in Biological Sciences, (Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology) or graduates in Medicine and other clinical disciplines.
How to Apply
In the first instance, you should submit a CV & Covering Letter to Dr. Richard Adams by emailing adamsra3@cardiff.ac.uk. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to submit a standard application for Postgraduate Study via the Online Application Service.
The deadline for applications is 2 May 2015.
Cardiff University reserves the right to close applications early should sufficient applications be received.