Applications are invited for up to two 3-year PhD studentships in the National Institute for Health Research Blood and Transplant Research Unit in Organ Donation and Transplantation (NIHR BTRU in ODT). The posts will be based in the University of Cambridge Department of Surgery on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. The proposed start date is 17th April 2024.
About Our Work
The NIHR BTRU in ODT provides a centre of excellence dedicated to research into organ donation and transplantation. The overarching aims are to increase the number of organs available, improve long-term outcomes and improve quality of life after transplant.
The unit has a wide and varied research programme divided into three main themes and three cross-cutting themes. These studentships will focus on the specific areas of organ perfusion (within Theme 1 – Novel perfusion technologies) or immunoprofiling and histocompatibility (within Theme 3 – Improving long-term outcomes).
Organ perfusion is currently a very active research field and the BTRU has internationally recognised expertise in this area. Work under Theme 1 of the BTRU is focusing on optimisation of perfusion parameters and examining ex vivo perfusion as a platform for the pre-transplant delivery of cellular and other therapeutics in the heart, liver and kidney. For example, perfusion technology is being used to enzymatically convert donor organs to universal ABO group O (to improve access to transplantation in ethnic minorities), prevent cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation, and facilitate organ repair using drug, cell and gene therapies. The intention is for rapid translation of these techniques into clinical practice.
Work under Theme 3 of the BTRU aims to improve long-term transplant outcomes by addressing the principal causes of allograft failure. For example, novel molecular human leukocyte antigen (HLA) mismatch algorithms are being studied as a way to improve donor–recipient histocompatibility within kidney allocation schemes (with NHS Blood and Transplant), and being investigated as a prognostic biomarker of primary alloimmunity risk to guide immunosuppression management. Microfluidic antibody affinity profiling (MAAP) and antibody Fc profiling are used for multi-parametric characterisation of pre-existing and de novo donor-specific antibodies, linking readouts to risk of rejection and graft loss. We are also studying extracellular vesicles as biomarkers of organ injury and for delivery of therapeutics, using in vitro organoid models and ex vivo organ machine perfusion. Further information about Theme 3 research can also be found here.
Interested candidates are encouraged to read the following recent relevant publications from BTRU researchers: enzymatic conversion of donor organ blood group; microfluidic antibody affinity profiling.
Candidate requirements
Candidates should have (or expect to obtain) a first or good 2:1 degree in molecular or cell biology or an allied subject.
Applicants with relevant research experience, gained through Master's study or while working in a laboratory, are strongly encouraged to apply.
Motivation, creativity and intellectual independence are desirable, as are excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively.
These are clinical programmes of research and so involve some out-of-hours work and on-call responsibilities.
Funding
The funds for these posts are available for 3 years. Funding will cover the student's stipend and tuition fees at the Home rate.
International applicants will be considered only if they are able to fund the overseas fees differential or if they are awarded a suitable scholarship.
How to Apply
Applications must be made via the University Applicant portal (Applicant Portal and Self-Service account | Postgraduate Study (cam.ac.uk). Apply for ‘PhD (Probationary) in Surgery’ and then add ‘NIHR Blood and Transplant Research Unit in Organ Donation and Transplantation’ as the proposed project title. It is not necessary to contact potential supervisors before applying. You also do not need to upload a research proposal – this section can be used to explain which area of our research you are most interested in.
Any informal enquiries can be addressed to Rachel Brown, BTRU Project Co-ordinator, rjb246@cam.ac.uk.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.