Fixed-term

Project Description We are inviting applications for a fully funded cross-disciplinary industrial partnership project. Successful candidates will work with researchers in animal nutrition and veterinary medicine and a leading animal nutrition company (Volac Milk Replacers). Calves fed higher milk replacer rations during the preweaning period have been shown to have: ·      Greater disease resistance ·      Better growth rates to weaning These benefits (higher growth rates), obtained before weaning, result in improved production (increased milk yield) and improved efficiency (reduced time to first calving). Feeding higher volumes of milk replacer pre-weaning could therefore be a successful strategy to meet industry average daily gain targets for Holstein dairy calves of 0.7 to 0.8 kg per day which are currently not met on many farms. Meeting growth rate targets in replacement heifer calves will have long-term benefits for farm profitability and sustainability, and improved efficiency will lead to lower carbon footprint per litre of milk. It remains to be determined if there is a long-term welfare, economic, and production benefit to feeding calves sufficient milk volume to exceed industry target weaning weight. Despite existing published literature, critical knowledge gaps remain: 1.      Are calves fed a higher volume of milk replacer solids more likely to be healthier in the preweaning period? 2.      Are calves fed a higher volume of milk replacer solids more likely to exceed ADG targets of 0.7 to 0.8 kg per day? 3.      What is the impact of increased milk replacer volume on starter intake and rumen development at weaning? 4.      Are calves fed a higher volume of milk replacer solids more likely to be more productive in terms of earlier conception and higher milk production in first lactation? 5.      Using life cycle analysis, what are the cost benefits in terms of economics and environmental impacts of feeding a higher volume of milk solids on milk production? The candidate will benefit from working with an interdisciplinary team and will gain training and skills from a wide range of expertise provided by the supervisors. Animal handling will include monitoring of health scores, bodyweights, fertility and production parameters. The student will gain experience in collecting farm field data, as well as laboratory experience and data analysis skills. The team have extensive experience with academic and industry led extension messaging and knowledge exchange events with farmers and veterinarians. The student would be actively encouraged to participate in knowledge exchange meetings with these groups both with the university and with Volac Milk Replacers. Additionally, they will contribute to publications and enhance communication through workshops, public engagement and conferences. The student will spend a proportion of their time (approximately 8 weeks) on secondment with the industrial partner. During secondment, the student will shadow and be trained by key employees in skills relating to dietary manufacturing and animal nutrition, including product development, formulation processing and manufacturing; nutritional rationing and dietary assessment (on–farm) and quality assurance We are looking for an enthusiastic, dynamic individual with good communication skills. Candidates should have a background in agriculture, veterinary medicine or animal nutrition, and should have experience working with farm animal species. This is a fantastic opportunity to make real word impact in animal nutrition. The project focuses on knowledge gaps around feeding calves milk replacer and future productivity. Project start dates: Earliest Start Date: 31/08/2026 – Latest Start Date: 31/10/2026 Funding Notes Stipend: Year 1 £22,383.00, year 2 £23,003.00, year 3 £23,641.00 and year 4 £12,648.50. Bench Fees: Year 1 £5,151.00, year 2 £5,301.00, year 3 £5,454.00 and year 4 £2,806.00. Apply Now

Project description Mesothelioma is an asbestos-driven cancer, with limited treatment options and a median survival of 12-18 months. Areas of Scotland have the highest global incidence of the disease, reflecting historical utilisation of asbestos in heavy industries. Detailed molecular characterisation of multiple global cohorts has revealed highly prevalent loss of function events in tumour suppressor genes (e.g. BAP1, CDKN2A, NF2) but few protein altering mutations in activating oncogenes. This genomic landscape, which has been defined using late-stage tumour samples, correlates poorly with the rapidly progressive illness experienced by most patients. This project will apply state-of-the-art computational pipelines to a unique collection of paired pre-tumour and tumour biopsies collected from patients as they transitioned in real-time from a pre-mesothelioma precursor state to early-stage invasive mesothelioma. This rare bioresource has been collected by the CRUK-funded PREDICT-Meso International Accelerator Network, which is led by Blyth (University of Glasgow/CRUKSI) and currently comprises >170 investigators from 98 institutions in 17 countries. The primary vehicle for the assembly of this cohort has been the Meso-ORIGINS study, which has recruited >500 patients since 2022, with the target number of 600 patients expected to be reached by August 2026. PREDICT-Meso resources have been used to generate Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) and bulk RNASeq, which will be the primary datasets used for this project, in addition to multiple other ‘omic layers, detailed clinical information and imaging materials. These datasets have been curated and stored in the bespoke PREDICT-Meso Database, supported by the CRUK Scotland Centre Data Science & Data Management team, with analysis via established variant calling and gene expression pipelines in the Semple Lab, based in the Institute of Genetics in Cancer (University of Edinburgh). This project will allow deep exploration of exciting preliminary results generated by Semple et al, regarding previously unidentified drivers of mesothelioma evolution. These data generated using uniform, state-of-the-art re-analysis of publicly available mesothelioma datasets, align well with outcomes from other PREDICT-Meso investigators regarding therapeutic targeting of cellular pathways downstream from these drivers. These data include results from high-throughput drug screening, experiments in genetically engineered mouse models and early phase human trials. The outcomes of this project are therefore expected to play an important role in the design of clinical trials testing a new therapeutic strategy for mesothelioma. PREDICT-Meso is committed to training of the next generation of mesothelioma researchers and currently supports 14 other PhD studentships in related areas providing a unique training environment. This non-clinical PhD project will run in parallel to other projects in aligned disciplines and alongside clinical PhD projects, ensuring comprehensive training in cancer sciences. The project will also be supported by a dedicated project manager via PREDICT-Meso, and the CRUK Scotland Centre Data Science & Data Management team. The student will gain experience in the primary processing of WES data using high performance computing, including sequence QC, alignment and established somatic variant calling pipelines. This will underpin statistical meta-analyses (using R) of mutation co-occurrence and exclusivity at multiple scales, from short nucleotide variants to large structural variants. Variants will be tested for evidence of selection 1, 2 to identify driver variant candidates, and for association with clinical and histopathological variables. Whole genome duplication and aneuploidies will be predicted using established algorithms 3. Primary processing of RNA-seq data will quantify gene expression and establish significantly differentially expressed genes. All variant data and expression data will be integrated and compared to a large, in-house genomic-transcriptomic atlas constructed using uniform processing of WES/WGS/RNA-seq data from previously published mesothelioma studies. Patterns of variation across multiple samples from the same patient will be used to infer dominant evolutionary trajectories during mesothelioma evolution 3. Important Notice In order for us to process your application, you must upload the completed EDI application form. Funding Notes The CRUK Scotland Centre studentships are for 4 years and provide an annual tax-free stipend of £22,500 + 1.75% indexation in Year 2,3&4, university tuition fees and a consumables budget. Apply Now

There is a clinical need to improve detection and therapeutic intervention in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Preferably both goals should be targeted at the early stages of disease to maximise successful clinical outcomes. It is therefore essential that we study hepatocyte clonal dynamics to better understand how oncogenic-mutant-clones expand and progress to cancerous lesions. The PhD project aims to identify the key signalling pathways that promote oncogenic growth and selection of pro-cancerous clones. Using an in situ CRISPR/Cas9 screen, the project will combine clonal barcoding with functional genomics. Enabling the identification of key plasma membrane receptors that stimulate the growth of mutant-clones in a pre-cancerous, diseased tissue environment. HCC is strongly linked to social deprivation and the associated poor diet that occurs in that setting. To encompass this feature into the disease model the project will also include the use of a high fat and sugar diet to simulate tumourigenesis in an inflamed and steatotic liver. By focusing the screen on genes that encode cell surface proteins the project aims to identify targets that are pharmacologically accessible and have greater potential for therapeutic translation. To further accelerate translation of the screening results to the clinic, gene hits will be prioritised by aligning them to patient single cell and spatial transcriptomic data sets. This will ensure identified genes and pathways are specific to human HCC. Further emphasis will be placed on the availability of small molecule inhibitors or other therapeutic agents that can target key hits. Follow up work using in vitro assays and in vivo preclinical models of HCC will validate gene hits and explore methods to target them in the clinic. Working closely with the clinicians in the CRUK Scotland Centre out comes from this project will direct new strategies in the detection and treatment of HCC. Techniques/model systems Pre-clinical modelling of disease using genetically engineered mouse models. Spatial and single cell transcriptomic assays and analysis In vivo gene editing using CRISPR/Cas9 technology Ex vivo tissue slice culture Cancer organoid lines Training Specific laboratory training for the techniques listed above in addition to bioinformatic and computational training for analysis of large data sets. Furthermore, the University of Glasgow post-graduate research programme and the CRUK Scotland Centre doctoral training programme both provide excellent training in more generic research skills such as scientific writing and communication and public engagement. The PhD candidate will also have access to mentoring schemes and career support to build their network and explore various career paths. Important Notice In order for us to process your application, you must upload the completed EDI application form. Funding Notes The CRUK Scotland Centre studentships are for 4 years and provide an annual tax-free stipend of £22,500 + 1.75% indexation in Year 2,3&4, university tuition fees and a consumables budget. Apply Now

Project description There are 7500 new ovarian cancer cases in the UK per year making it the 6th most common cancer in females. Although ovarian cancer survival is improving, 5-year survival rates remain poor (42.6%). High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is the most common and lethal form of ovarian cancer. It is characterised by almost ubiquitous TP53 aberrations, cell-cycle defects, huge copy number change and genomic instability. We recently demonstrated two pathways to genomic diversity in HGSOC (1). One (approximately 50% of patients) is through homologous recombination deficiency (HRD); these tumours largely respond to platinum/PARP inhibitors. The other group of cancers is characterised by whole genome duplication (WGD) and is associated with chromothripsis, extrachromosomal DNA harbouring oncogenes, mitochondrial DNA mutations and CCNE1 amplification; these tumours are less likely to benefit from platinum/PARPi therapy and therefore understanding and developing effective therapies for this HGSOC sub-group is a major unmet need. Genetically engineered mouse models of selected types of HGSOC have already been developed. To date they represent BRCA1/2 driven, HRD, HGSOC reasonably well however no model exists that recapitulates the structural genomic diversity seen in the poorest prognostic HGSOC sub-groups. In this project we therefore plan to develop novel, patient-relevant models of WGD HGSOC. Activation of mutational events seen in WGD HGSOC such as ecDNA-Myc, CCNE1 and mitochondrial mutations will be recapitulated in mouse models which will then be fully characterised to ensure that they are representative of the corresponding sub-type in humans, from a pathology, molecular and disease spectrum angle. Then after understanding the model and disease progression, we will use these realistic models to test rational treatments in an effort to identify new, more effective treatment strategies for this poor prognostic sub-group of patients. The student will work in Professor Blyth’s group which is world leading in the development of mouse models of cancer and attached to the MRC National Mouse Genetics Network. The student will also be supported by Professor Semple from University of Edinburgh who is a bioinformation with expertise in structurally diverse cancers (mesothelioma and ovarian cancer) and Professor Patricia Roxburgh who has expertise in treatment of ovarian cancer and development of new cancer therapeutics, and who will ensure clinical relevance to the project. The student will gain expertise in development and analysis of genetically engineered mouse models of cancer, translational preclinical models, immunohistochemistry, genomics and computational methods to interrogate biological data. They will also access the research training programme provided by the Universities of Glasgow and Edinburgh and actively participate in the ovarian theme of the CRUK Scotland Centre including attending regular joint Edinburgh-Glasgow meetings and presenting their findings internally and externally at conferences. Important Notice In order for us to process your application, you must upload the completed EDI application form. Funding Notes The CRUK Scotland Centre studentships are for 4 years and provide an annual tax-free stipend of £22,500 + 1.75% indexation in Year 2,3&4, university tuition fees and a consumables budget. Apply Now

Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer‑related mortality in the UK, accounting for approximately 10% of all cancer deaths. The majority of CRC cases are sporadic and arise from premalignant colorectal polyps, most commonly adenomatous polyps (adenomas) or sessile serrated lesions [1]. CRC development is driven by the progressive accumulation of genetic and epigenetic alterations that enable the transformation of normal colonic epithelium into polyps and, ultimately, invasive carcinoma [2]. The progression from a benign polyp to malignancy typically occurs over 7–15 years, providing a critical window for early detection and intervention. Endoscopic resection of precancerous polyps via polypectomy is highly effective in preventing CRC development [3]. However, despite successful polypectomy, 20–50% of patients go on to develop metachronous polyps [4]. As many of these patients will never progress to further polyps or cancer, universal surveillance colonoscopy is neither clinically appropriate nor sustainable, given procedural risks to patients and the substantial resource burden placed on the NHS. Improving risk stratification following polypectomy is therefore a major unmet clinical need. The INCISE project (INtegrated TeChnologies for Improved Polyp SurveillancE) aims to address this challenge by enhancing risk stratification for metachronous polyp development through the integration of molecular and morphological data beyond conventional histopathological assessment. By identifying and validating novel biomarkers predictive of future polyp risk, INCISE seeks to refine existing surveillance protocols—reducing unnecessary procedures while ensuring high‑risk patients receive appropriately intensive follow‑up. To support this objective, we have established a well‑characterised cohort of 2,642 patients with archival polyp samples available for further molecular profiling, including analysis using state‑of‑the‑art spatial ‘omic and proteomic platforms. By identifying molecular features within a spatial context that are associated with future risk of metachronous polyp development, this project aims to generate a robust risk stratification score to identify patients at increased risk of developing metachronous polyps. This multidisciplinary PhD project will be undertaken in collaboration with the primary supervisors Dr Stephen McSorley (Consultant Colorectal Surgeon, University of Glasgow; specialist in colorectal cancer screening), Professor Joanne Edwards (Professor of Translational Cancer Pathology, University of Glasgow), Dr Hayley Morris (Consultant Pathologist, University of Glasgow; specialist in colorectal pathology) and Dr Philip Dunne (Specialist in Translational Bioinformatics, Queen’s University Belfast). References Strum WB. (2016) Colorectal Adenomas. New England Journal of Medicine. 374(11):1065–75. De Palma FDE, D’argenio V, Pol J, Kroemer G, Maiuri MC, Salvatore F. (2019) The Molecular Hallmarks of the Serrated Pathway in Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel). 11(7). Simon K. (2016) Colorectal cancer development and advances in screening. Clin. Interv. Aging. 11:967–76. Hao Y, et al. (2020) Risk Factors for Recurrent Colorectal Polyps. Gut Liver;14(4): 399-411. 4. Løberg M, et al. (2014) Long-term colorectal-cancer mortality after adenoma removal. N Engl J Med;371(9): 799-807. Aims Using the INCISE cohort and its associated datasets, this project aims to: Identify and validate morphological and molecular features associated with the risk of developing metachronous colorectal polyps Integrate cutting‑edge spatial ‘omic and proteomic technologies—including the Lunaphore COMET and Bruker CosMx Spatial Molecular Imager—to uncover novel biomarkers of risk of metachronous polyps. Develop predictive models to support personalised surveillance strategies following polypectomy Training Outcomes The PhD student will receive comprehensive interdisciplinary training in: The biology of colorectal cancer development and progression Histopathological assessment of colorectal polyps Immunohistochemistry and quantitative tissue analysis The use of advanced spatial ‘omic and proteomic platforms, including Lunaphore COMET and Bruker CosMx Spatial Molecular Imager Statistical and computational analysis of spatial ‘omic and proteomic datasets In addition, the student will contribute to the translational positioning of candidate biomarkers, supporting their evaluation for future clinical utility and impact on colorectal cancer surveillance practice. Funding Notes UK Student fees covered. Apply Now

Project Description A prominent protein modification found in all eukaryotic species is S-acylation, the attachment of hydrophobic acyl chains onto cysteine side chains. S-Acylation regulates the localisation, stability, interactions, and function of numerous proteins, and thereby affects cellular processes like growth, migration, differentiation, and communication. S-acylation is reversible and is regulated by many zDHHC (on) and APT/ABHD (off) enzymes, however, in contrast to many other enzymes that mediate post-translational regulation of proteins, we currently lack fundamental knowledge about these enzymes and their contribution to cell physiology. This project will provide an important advance in this area by uncovering mechanisms whereby de-S-acylation enzymes recognise their specific substrate partners. The project will provide a broad range of training outcomes including, expertise in cutting-edge molecular and structural analyses, data analysis and team working skills, and networking and presentation skills gained through attendance at relevant conferences. There will also be training in a range of generic areas including research ethics and research integrity, data management, and responsible research. This project will support a large multidisciplinary project with multiple partner labs across the UK, applying multidisciplinary Team Science approach to deliver fundamental new insights into the role of S-acylation in cell physiology. You will join a dynamic and supportive team, working collaboratively across two research groups within the College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, with access to state-of-the-art facilities and mentorship tailored to your career development. Both groups have a strong track record of interdisciplinary research and publication in high-impact journals. Candidate Profile We are looking for a highly motivated individual with a background in molecular or structural biology, biochemistry, or a related field. Prior experience in protein biochemistry is desirable but not essential. Candidates available to start in October 2026 will be prioritised. Application Details Please submit a CV, cover letter, and contact details for two referees via the application portal. Informal inquiries are welcome and encouraged. Funding Notes UK Student fees covered. Apply Now

Job description Job Purpose The Translational Pharmacology and Immunology Laboratory (TPI), headed by Professor Maria Libera Ascierto, is at the heart of translational & experimental cancer research and clinical biomarker discovery at the University of Glasgow (UofG). Based in the School of Cancer Sciences, the TPI is the driver of biomarker development and clinical application, mainly in support of clinical trials enrolling patients visiting the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre. The TPI also acts as a central laboratory for processing, storage and analysis of samples derived from patients enrolled in clinical trials of novel therapies sponsored by pharmaceutical companies. Major professional responsibilities of the post holder are to support translational studies in accordance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and led by Prof Maria Libera Ascierto,  that are aimed to process human samples derived from patients, including clinical trial participants, and assess them by using ex-vivo immunological assays (eg Immunogenicity Assays to measure immune cell activation, proliferation, and cytokine production, Drug Toxicity and Efficacy assays and Cell Function Monitoring) and spectral cytometry evaluations to boost in-dept-immune phenotype of peripheral blood and disaggregated tumours, monitor disease progression, treatment response and appropriate treatment dosage of novel clinical trials and immune-oncology (IO) treatments. The main duties & responsibilities of the post-holder are dependent on (1) the specific project or clinical trial and (2) the biomarker strategy and design under the direction of Prof Maria Libera Ascierto. These, in turn, may be in response to the requirements and objectives that emerge from the Glasgow Adult ECMC and CRUK CDD’s investigators. Main Duties and Responsibilities 1. Plan and conduct assigned research activities based on spectral cytometry to assist with research project and business operations requiring biological sample, mainly whole blood, PBMC and digested tumours. 2. Responsible for performing and documenting ex vivo immunological assays (eg Immunogenicity Assays to measure immune cell activation, proliferation, and cytokine production, Drug Toxicity and Efficacy assays and Cell Function Monitoring) in accordance with TPI procedures and regulatory guidelines. 3. Document research outputs including sample information, analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and manuscript as appropriate. 4. Support the safe transport, handling, processing, storage and analysis of biological specimens derived from patients enrolled in clinical trials according to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and under the supervision of TPI Head. Take responsibility for following and maintaining Clinical and Research Governance protocols, monitoring compliance and escalating matters for further management attention as appropriate. 5. Develop, optimize and standardize multicolour (up to 40 colours) – flow cytometry immune panels for clinical trials samples evaluations. 6. Contribute to Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) experimental investigations, deviations, and resolutions as appropriate. 7. Responsible for performing and documenting flow cytometry and spectral cytometry analytical procedures in accordance with TPI procedures and regulatory guidelines. 8. Assists in troubleshooting and process improvements to increase data quality, lower costs, or reduce turnaround times to include, updating standard procedures, assisting with troubleshooting. 9. Performs and documents calibration and maintenance of laboratory Flow Cytometry and additional equipment as assigned. 10. Performs and documents hands on training for other lab personnel in areas of proven competency as assigned. 11. Assist the TPI Head in the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies to support future research based on immune phenotype. 12. Collaborate with colleagues and participate in group meetings/seminars/workshops organized by TPI /School/College/University and wider community, including the ECMC Network. 13. Contribute to the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and less experienced members of the project team to ensure their effective development in spectral cytometry and flow cytometry. 14. Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the Flow TPI research group, Budgets/Expenditure. 15. Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline. 16. Engage in continuing professional development activities as guided by the TPI Head. 17.  Perform all of the above-mentioned activities, and undertake any other duties of equivalent standing, in conjunction with and under the guidance of the Translational Pharmacology and Immunology Head, Prof Maria Libera Ascierto. 18. Contribute to the enhancement of the international profile of the TPI in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, World Changers Together Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience Knowledge/Qualifications Essential: A1 SCQF Level 10 (Honours degree) in Biology, Immunology or equivalent. A2 Records of appropriate GCP and GCLP trainings to ensure public safety. A3 A comprehensive and proven knowledge of biomarker discovery and application using whole blood cells and tumour digests Skills Essential: C1 Proven knowledge of processing and storage of blood and tumour cells samples according to GCP standards and suitable for downstream flow cytometry assessments and ex-vivo immunological assays C2 Research creativity and cross-discipline collaborative ability as appropriate C3 Excellent communication skills (oral and written), including public presentations and ability to communicate complex data/concepts clearly and concisely C4 Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach C5 Appropriate workload/time/project/budget/people management skills C6 Extensive IT and data analysis/interpretation skills as appropriate C7 Self-motivation, initiative and independent thought/working C8 Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach Experience Essential: E1 Proven experience in translational medicine research experience in spectral cytometry performed on human samples E2 Proven experience in translational medicine research experience in spectral cytometry or conventional flow data analysis using R software, and/ or FlowJo E3 Proven experience in GCLP settings or CRO providing Flow cytometry services using high quality standards (eg. Q2 solutions) E4 Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner E5 Proven ability to deliver ex-vivo immunological assays performed on human samples (eg Immunogenicity Assays to measure immune cell activation, proliferation, and cytokine production, Drug Toxicity and Efficacy assays and Cell Function Monitoring) E6 Evidence of an emerging track record of high-quality research publications in spectral cytometry immune- phenotype or a a relevant field(eg conventional Flow Cytometry) ​ Informal enquiries should be directed to Professor Maria Ascierto, Maria.Ascierto@glasgow.ac.uk ​ Terms and Conditions Salary will be Grade 6, £33,951 – £37,694 per annum. This post is full-time (35