Cancer therapy: Nanotechnology-biological approaches to re-educating the tumor microenvironment to overcome suppression of cancer therapies

Details

Close date

No date set

Academic background

Health Sciences, Sciences

Host campus

Dunedin

Qualification

Master's, PhD

Supervisor

Associate Professor Greg Walker

Overview

The tumour microenvironment (TME) has been linked to tumour aggressiveness, drug resistance, metastasis, and immunosuppression. This project aims to alter the TME using protein therapeutics as a new promising approach for cancer therapy. This project will apply our nano-system platform to deliver the bio-therapeutics to the TME. The long-term goal of this project will enable a new therapeutic approach for cancer either as a mono- or co-therapies (e.g. cancer immunotherapy). The work will be based in the School of Pharmacy at the University of Otago, and will involve collaborating with experts in cancer biology.

Ideal candidates would have a particular interest in cancer and a background in: cell biology, biochemistry, chemistry, bioengineering or cancer biology. The candidate should also have an interest in the applied fields of materials science and drug formulation. They should also be enthusiastic and passionate about research and keen to learn new skills.

The project is suitable for candidate with an Honour degree in Pharmacy, or a BSc(Hons) or MSc. The applicant must be eligible for admission to the PhD programme at the University of Otago, and are encouraged to apply for a University of Otago doctoral scholarship. If you are a straight A student (GPA of 8 – 'A' grade) or higher, who has completed an Honours or Master's degree with an appropriate research component from a New Zealand university then you will be considered for a University of Otago Doctoral Scholarship.

How to apply

Please contact Associate Professor Greg Walker to explain your interest in this project and how this relates to your previous experience.

Please include:

• a copy of your CV
• academic transcript
• names of three referees

Useful information

• Graduate research at the University of Otago
• Scholarships at the University of Otago

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