David Parkinson

This four-year PhD studentship at the University of Plymouth offers an exciting opportunity to advance research in neuro-oncology, focusing on meningioma, the most common primary brain tumour. The project aims to identify synthetic lethality targets using a high-throughput microfluidic CRISPR kinome screening platform, with the goal of uncovering novel therapeutic strategies for aggressive or unresectable meningiomas. Students will utilize the Brunello kinome library to introduce CRISPR sgRNAs into primary meningioma cells, followed by exposure to brigatinib. The innovative magnetic ranking cytometry microfluidic sorting platform will enable precise isolation of resistant and sensitized cell populations, with phospho-ERK levels serving as drug engagement readouts. Subsequent RNA sequencing and bioinformatic analyses will identify top candidate genes for synthetic lethality, which will be validated using RNAi and pharmacological approaches, emphasizing drug repurposing for rapid clinical translation. The project is based within the Faculty of Health, leveraging a molecularly annotated biobank of primary meningioma tissues and established in vivo models. The research timeline includes overlapping work packages: CRISPR library screening, microfluidic sorting, single-cell sequencing, and functional validation. The successful candidate will receive comprehensive training in molecular biology, high-throughput microfluidics, CRISPR gene editing, single-cell transcriptomics, and preclinical validation, gaining valuable experience in translational neuro-oncology within a collaborative, interdisciplinary team. Applicants should hold a first or upper second class honours degree in a relevant subject or a Masters qualification. Non-native English speakers must meet the minimum IELTS Academic score of 6.5 (with no less than 5.5 in each component) or equivalent. The studentship covers full Home tuition fees and provides a stipend of £19,215 per annum (2025/26 rate; 2026/27 TBC) for four years. Only applicants eligible for Home fees are fully funded; international applicants must cover the difference between Home and International tuition fee rates. No additional funding is available for NHS Immigration Health Surcharge, visa costs, or flights. Full-time work is not permitted while receiving the PhD stipend. To apply, submit an online application including your CV, personal statement, degree certificates/transcripts, and contact information for two academic referees. Review the supporting documents list and admissions process webpage for further guidance. The application deadline is Friday, 10th April 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview around the week commencing 20th April 2026. For informal inquiries, contact Dr Liyam Laraba at [email protected].

[Full Home tuition fees plus a stipend of £19,215 per annum for 4 years (2025-26 rate; 2026-27 rate TBC). International applicants must cover the difference between Home and International tuition fees. No additional funding for NHS Immigration Health Surcharge, visa, or flights.] This four-year PhD studentship at the University of Plymouth offers an exciting opportunity to advance translational neuro-oncology research by identifying synthetic lethality targets in meningioma using a high-throughput CRISPR kinome screening platform. Meningiomas are the most common primary brain tumours, yet current therapies for aggressive or unresectable cases remain limited. The project aims to uncover novel kinase targets that sensitize meningioma cells to brigatinib, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies for brain tumour treatment. The research will utilize the Brunello kinome library to introduce CRISPR sgRNAs into primary meningioma cells, followed by exposure to brigatinib. Cells will be sorted using a state-of-the-art magnetic ranking cytometry microfluidic platform, with phospho-ERK levels serving as drug engagement readouts. Resistant and sensitized cell populations will be isolated, and RNA sequencing will identify sgRNA targets. Bioinformatic analyses will highlight top candidates for synthetic lethality, which will be validated through RNAi and pharmacological approaches, emphasizing drug repurposing for rapid clinical translation. The project is based at the University of Plymouth, leveraging a molecularly annotated biobank of primary meningioma tissues and established in vivo models. The research timeline includes overlapping work packages: CRISPR library screening, microfluidic sorting, single-cell sequencing, and functional validation. The successful candidate will receive comprehensive training in molecular biology, high-throughput microfluidics, CRISPR gene editing, single-cell transcriptomics, and preclinical validation, working within a collaborative, interdisciplinary team. Applicants should hold a first or upper second class honours degree in a relevant subject or a Masters qualification. Non-native English speakers must meet the minimum English requirements (IELTS Academic 6.5 overall, minimum 5.5 in each component). The studentship covers full Home tuition fees and provides a stipend of £19,215 per annum (2025-26 rate; 2026-27 rate TBC) for four years. International applicants must cover the difference between Home and International tuition fees, and there is no additional funding for NHS Immigration Health Surcharge, visa, or flights. Full-time work is not permitted during the studentship. To apply, submit your application online, including a CV, personal statement outlining academic interests and research experience, degree certificates/transcripts, and contact information for two academic referees. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview around the week commencing 20 April 2026. For informal inquiries, contact Dr Liyam Laraba at [email protected].

[Full Home tuition fees plus a stipend of £19,215 per annum (2025-26 rate; 2026-27 rate TBC) for 4 years. International applicants must cover the difference between Home and International fees. No additional funding for NHS Immigration Health Surcharge, visa costs, or flights.] This fully funded four-year PhD studentship at the University of Plymouth offers an exciting opportunity to advance research in translational neuro-oncology. The project focuses on meningiomas, the most common primary brain tumours, and aims to identify novel synthetic lethality targets using a high-throughput microfluidic CRISPR kinome screening platform. The research will leverage the Brunello kinome library to introduce CRISPR sgRNAs into primary meningioma cells, followed by exposure to the drug brigatinib. Using state-of-the-art magnetic ranking cytometry and microfluidic sorting, the project will quantify phospho-ERK levels to isolate resistant and sensitized cell populations. Subsequent RNA sequencing and bioinformatic analyses will identify top candidate genes for synthetic lethality, which will be validated through RNAi and pharmacological approaches, with an emphasis on drug repurposing for rapid clinical translation. The successful candidate will join a collaborative, interdisciplinary team and benefit from access to a molecularly annotated biobank of primary meningioma tissues and established in vivo models. The project timeline includes overlapping work packages in CRISPR library screening, microfluidic sorting, single-cell sequencing, and functional validation. Comprehensive training will be provided in molecular biology, high-throughput microfluidics, CRISPR gene editing, single-cell transcriptomics, and preclinical validation, equipping the student with advanced skills for a career in biomedical research. Applicants should hold a first or upper second class honours degree in a relevant subject or a related Masters qualification. Non-native English speakers must demonstrate proficiency with an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in each component) or equivalent. The studentship covers full Home tuition fees and a stipend of £19,215 per annum (2025-26 rate; 2026-27 rate TBC) for four years. International applicants are welcome but must cover the difference between Home and International tuition fees. Additional costs such as NHS Immigration Health Surcharge, visa fees, and travel are not covered. Full-time employment is not permitted during the studentship. To apply, submit your application via the University of Plymouth portal, including a CV, personal statement, degree certificates and transcripts, and contact details for two academic referees. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview around the week commencing 20th April 2026. For informal enquiries, contact Dr Liyam Laraba at [email protected].