Biomechanical and Biochemical Phenotyping of Cancer Cells Using Deformability Cytometry and Coherent Raman Spectroscopy

Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join our interdisciplinary team focused on advancing cancer research through innovative phenotyping techniques. This project will leverage our deformability cytometry (DC) setup and Coherent Raman Spectroscopy (CRS) to analyze both cell lines and patient-derived samples, aiming to uncover the genetic and biochemical underpinnings of cancer metastasis.

If applying through the Chinese Scholarship Council, note that the deadline is the 3rd of January, and please get in touch with Dr. Julia Gala de Pablo as soon a possible.

Project Overview

You will work on developing and optimizing protocols for running both colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines and patient-derived samples through our DC and CRS systems. The primary goal is to identify novel biomarkers that correlate with cancer progression and patient responsiveness to therapy. The secondary goal is to correlate single-cell biomechanical properties with single-cell biochemical profiles, providing comprehensive insights into the genetic and biochemical drivers of metastatic phenotypes.

Key Responsibilities

• Sample Preparation: Develop and refine methods for preparing live single-cell suspensions from cell lines and samples from patient biopsies, including tissue culture.

• Deformability Cytometry: Operate and maintain the DC setup, ensuring high-throughput and accurate biomechanical phenotyping of cells. Working as part of a team, you will be involved in helping improve the current setup.

• Coherent Raman Spectroscopy: Utilize CRS to obtain detailed biochemical profiles of live single cells.

• Data Analysis: Integrate biomechanical and biochemical data using advanced image analysis and machine learning techniques.

• Collaboration: Work closely with postdoctoral researchers to integrate findings.

Candidate Profile

This PhD project is ideal for you if you are passionate about translational cancer research and eager to work at the interface of biology and engineering.

• Skills: Experience with microfluidics, cell sorting, Raman spectroscopy, and high-throughput data analysis is highly desirable but not essential.

• Attributes: Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.

• Impact

Impact

This project aims to develop a novel, high-throughput method for isolating and analyzing live cells based on their biomechanical and biochemical properties. The findings will contribute to our understanding of cancer metastasis and potentially lead to identifying new therapeutic targets.

Transferable Skills

Throughout this project, you will gain a wide range of transferable skills, including advanced laboratory techniques, data analysis, and project management. You will develop expertise in microfluidics and spectroscopy, as well as proficiency in using machine learning for data interpretation. Additionally, you will enhance your problem-solving abilities, critical thinking, and collaborative skills by working in a multidisciplinary team. These skills will be valuable for a career in academia, industry, or beyond.

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.