Corinne M. Spickett

This fully funded PhD position at Aston University investigates the role of lipoxidation in tumorigenic signalling, focusing on the redox-sensitive tumour suppressor PTEN and its impact on breast cancer cell signalling. The project aims to elucidate how oxidative stress and lipid oxidation products modify PTEN, affecting its activity, localization, and downstream Akt activation. Using advanced techniques such as liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MSMS), western blotting, qRT-PCR, and real-time oxygen consumption measurements, the research will compare tumorigenic (MCF-7) and non-tumorigenic (MCF-10A) breast epithelial cells to identify cellular mechanisms and signalling pathways contributing to cancer progression. Objectives include determining the effects of oxidized lipid products on Akt, mTORC, and GSK3 activation, assessing PTEN's influence on mitochondrial bioenergetics and mitophagy, identifying specific PTEN modifications and protein-protein interactions under stress conditions, and correlating these changes with cellular outcomes such as proliferation, migration, and invasion. The project builds on previous work at Aston University and offers a comprehensive exploration of redox stress and lipid oxidation in cancer cell metabolism. The successful candidate will join the College of Health and Life Sciences at Aston University, working under the supervision of Professor Corinne M. Spickett, Dr. Neetu Mishra, and Dr. Lissette Sanchez-Aranguren. The position is based on the Aston Campus in Birmingham, UK, with regular in-person attendance required. Interviews will be conducted online via Microsoft Teams. Applicants must hold or expect to achieve a First Class or Upper Second Class Bachelor's degree (minimum 60% overall weighting) and a Master's degree with Merit or higher in a relevant subject, or a First Class Bachelor's degree plus substantial research experience. Desirable skills include experience in immuno-cell biology, stem cells, extracellular vesicles, wound healing, and mass spectrometry. English language requirements must be met, and all supporting documents must be submitted for the application to be considered. The studentship covers all tuition fees, provides an annual stipend of £21,805, includes consumable costs, and offers one return economy airfare and visa costs up to £2,500. For further information, applicants can contact the Postgraduate Admissions team at [email protected] or visit the project link provided.

This PhD project at Aston University investigates the role of lipoxidation in tumorigenic signalling, focusing on the molecular mechanisms by which lipid oxidation products influence cancer development and progression. The research is supervised by Professor Corinne M. Spickett (Aston University) and Dr. Neetu Mishra (Symbiosis International University), offering a collaborative environment across two leading institutions. The project is situated within the College of Health and Life Sciences, providing access to state-of-the-art laboratories and interdisciplinary expertise. Research areas include biochemistry, bioinformatics, cancer biology, cell biology, immunology, molecular biology, structural biology, and analytical chemistry. The project aims to elucidate how lipoxidation affects cellular signalling pathways involved in tumorigenesis, using advanced analytical and bioinformatics techniques. Students will gain experience in laboratory methods, data analysis, and collaborative research, preparing them for careers in academia, industry, or healthcare. Applicants should have a strong academic background in biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, or related fields. Experience in laboratory techniques, bioinformatics, or analytical chemistry is desirable. The project is suitable for students interested in cancer research, molecular mechanisms of disease, and translational biomedical science. English language proficiency may be required for international applicants. Funding information is not specified; applicants are encouraged to check for potential scholarships or funding opportunities through Aston University or external sources. The application deadline is 5 May 2026. For further details and to apply, visit the project link provided.