PhD studentship in the Centre for Mechanism of Disease and Drug Discovery (MoDDD)
Overview
- Qualification type: PhD
- Subject area: Cancer biology
- Location/Campus: Hatfield, College Lane Campus
- Start date: 1 October 2025
- Closing application date: 21 July 2025
- Duration: 3 years, full time.
Programme Description
The Centre for MoDDD at the University of Hertfordshire invites applications for a PhD candidate to join a 3-year QR funded research project to investigate the mechanistic role of disintegrin-metalloproteinases (ADAMs) in glioma. Gliomas are a group of brain tumours including glioblastoma, an aggressive cancer with a poor survival rate and limited treatment options. The research will focus upon ADAM15 and ADAM12, two disintegrin-metalloproteinaes with elevated expression in glioma, which correlate with poor prognosis.
Within our supportive and friendly team, you will learn how to design and perform experiments that interrogate the molecular and cellular mechanisms regulated by ADAM15 and ADAM12 in glioma, employing cellular, biochemical and molecular biological approaches. You will publish your research in prestigious journals and present at international conferences. You will develop the necessary skills to develop in vitro functional assays with potential clinical relevance, generating data that could identify key roles for these molecules in glioma progression and that may support future drug discovery and development research.
Eligibility
The studentship is available to applicants permanently resident in the UK and who qualify for home fees status only. A certification of English language competence (minimum IELTS 6.5 or equivalent) for candidates for whom English is not their first language is required.
Our research environment is enriched by the diversity of our staff and students and we take a responsible approach towards further progressing inclusivity. Overall, 35% of our postgraduate research students are of minority ethnic heritage; 65% self-identify as females; and 16.4% have declared a disability. We recognise that subject level trends differ and that is why we whole heartedly encourage applications from people who identify with a protected characteristic; those from areas with traditionally low participation in higher education; and people who are the first in their family to study at university.
Essentials
Applicants should have a good degree ie a 2.1 or higher in biological science or a related subject, or a suitable Master’s degree as well as excellent problem-solving and communication/IT skills, e.g. use of MS Office tools.
Desirables
Experience with wet lab research e.g. at either undergraduate or post-graduate level.
The prospective student will have had previous knowledge and hands-on experience of cell biology or biochemistry and/or molecular biological techniques. They will be trained in areas of research relevant to antibody purification and characterisation, gene silencing and cellular assays. The candidate should be a team player but should also be able to work independently. This project will involve collaboration with a private sector biotech company and will involve elements of confidentiality and working with human cell lines/tissues.
Supervisors
- Associate Professor Salman Rahman
- Dr Shoib Siddiqui
- Dr Maria Braoudaki
How to apply
All applicants should email the following documents:
- a completed application form
- two academic references - to be send direct from the referee to the Doctoral College
- copies of qualification certificates and transcripts
- a copy of your CV.
Your completed application and supporting documents should be emailed to the Doctoral College Admissions team by 21 July 2025.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an online interview in the second week of August 2025. If you have not had a reply within 3 weeks of the deadline, you have unfortunately been unsuccessful on this occasion.
Informal enquires should be addressed to Salman Rahman or Shoib Siddiqui or Maria Braoudaki. Please note that applications sent directly to these addresses will not be accepted.
Funding information
This studentship is fully-funded by QR funds and covers a three-year PhD. The award includes cover for UK home tuition fees and subject to eligibility, a stipend at standard RCUK rates. For 2025-26 this is set at £20,780.