PhD Research Studentships
Modelling the multi-scale mechanobiological microenvironment of bone cells in metastatic cancer
| Supervisors: | Stefaan VERBRUGGEN and Julia SHELTON |
| Apply by: | 29 February 2024 |
| Start in: | September (Semester 1) |
Description
Common cancers, such as breast and prostate cancer, are most deadly when they metastasise to other organs, with bone being by far the most common site. These lesions cause either hard bony tumours or empty voids, both of which degrade bone biomechanical properties and lead to complex fractures.
The most mechano-sensitive bone cells, osteocytes, are spread throughout bone tissue, communicate through a dense web of pressurised fluid-filled channels in the osteocyte network and act as strain gauges, directing bone growth in response to mechanical loading. Our reserch has shown disrupted osteocyte networks in metastatic bone lesions, presenting the intriguing hypothesis that mechanics of bone could be manipulated to prevent tumour growth.
This project will build advanced multi-physics multi-scale models of damaged osteocyte networks, transforming our knowledge of metastatic bone disease and potential new treatments.
Candidate specification:
The successful candidate will develop finite element and fluid-structure interaction models using detailed scans of the microenvrionment around bone metastases. Useful skills include
- Finite element modelling
- Medical image/scan analysis
- Proficiency in programming languages, Python, C/C++, and/or MATLAB
Combining mechnical modelling and scans of patient data, the PhD student will gain key skills in state-of-the-art machine learning, clinical treatment and cancer biology.
The ideal candidate will have relevant experience in any of the following subject areas: computational mechanics, biomechanics, mechanobiology, cancer models, musculoskeletal modelling, gait analysis, wearable sensors. As part of this project, candidates will benefit from close collaboration with world-leading academic, clinical, and industrial research partners.
Research group:
Dr. Stefaan Verbruggen's research is focused on the focused on the development of novel in vitro and in silico models of the interaction between bone and cancer cells and tissues. The research group is committed to facilitating an inclusive and collaborative research environment focused on the personal development of PhD students. Please do not hesitate to contact me directly to discuss potential applications informally (see contact details below).
Funding
Funded by: Queen Mary ResearchUK students only.
This studentship arrangement covers home tuition fees and provide an annual stipend for up to three years (currently set at the 2023/24 stipend rate of £20,622 pa)
Note that this studentship covers home-rated tuition fees only (See: www.welfare.qmul.ac.uk/money/feestatus/ for details)
Overseas applicants would be required to meet the difference between home and international tuition fees
Eligibility
- The minimum requirement for this studentship opportunity is a good honours degree (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent) or MSc/MRes in a relevant discipline.
- If English is not your first language, you will require a valid English certificate equivalent to IELTS 6.5+ overall with a minimum score of minimum score of 6.0 in each of Writing, Listening, Reading and Speaking).
- Candidates are expected to start in September (Semester 1).
Contact
For informal enquiries about this opportunity, please contact Stefaan VERBRUGGEN or Julia SHELTON.
Apply
Start an application for this studentship and for entry onto the PhD Medical Engineering full-time programme (Semester 1 / September start):
Please be sure to quote the reference "SEMS-PHD-534" to associate your application with this studentship opportunity.
| Related website: | https://stefaanverbruggen.com/ | |
| SEMS Research Centre: | ||
| Keywords: | Cancer Biology, Machine Learning, Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Fluid Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering, Mechanics, Solid Mechanics, Structural Mechanics, Biomechanics |