At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop AI methods for cancer research, focusing on melanoma prognosis and inflammation.
- Company: Newcastle Cancer Centre, part of a thriving research community.
- Benefits: 100% tuition fees, annual stipend of £19,237, and support for research costs.
- Other info: Opportunity to attend workshops and collaborate with international cancer scientists.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cancer treatment using cutting-edge AI technology.
- Qualifications: 2:1 honours degree in a relevant subject; programming skills in R, Python, or STATA.
The predicted salary is between 19237 - 19237 £ per year.
Award summary: 100% tuition fees (paid at home rate) and a minimum annual stipend of £19,237 (2024/2025) with support for research costs. International candidates will be required to fund the difference between the home and international fees.
Overview: Are you interested in learning how to develop and apply AI methods in cancer research? Then this is an ideal post for you. We are looking for an enthusiastic PhD candidate with strong skills in quantitative subjects and computing to integrate large-scale transcriptomic and clinical datasets to uncover signatures of patient prognosis, biomarkers and potential targets of new drugs. The project will primarily use melanoma datasets but designing AI methods is relevant to all cancers, such as liver cancer where we have collaborations.
Recently adopted drugs such as immunotherapies are revolutionising cancer treatment. However, as they are not effective in all patients they should be tailored to the right patients while work to identify new drug targets and new drugs continues to be warranted. Previous work has highlighted the role of chronic inflammation in modulating immunity. This studentship will integrate and interrogate large richly annotated datasets in two melanoma cohorts to define and characterise the profiles of chronic inflammation to develop AI models integrating molecular and clinical data to devise chronic inflammation signatures to identify key biological pathways and targetable hubs in those signatures.
This is an opportunity to work on an interdisciplinary project at the interface between advanced statistics, bioinformatics and cancer immunology. Training will be provided in these areas with possibilities to attend national and international workshops. The student will have the opportunity to interact with and learn from a large community of cancer scientists in international consortia such as Genomel.
You will be part of a thriving Biostatistics Research Group and closely networking with the Translational and Clinical Research Institute and Newcastle Centre for Cancer.
- Number of awards: 1
- Start date: September 2024
- Award duration: Full time four-year PhD
- Application closing date: 17th May 2024
- Sponsor: Newcastle Cancer Centre, JGW Patterson Foundation
- Supervisor: Dr Jérémie Nsengimana, Professor Ruth Plummer, Professor Penny Lovat
Eligibility Criteria:
- Essential: At least a 2:1 honours degree or international equivalent in a relevant subject. Computer programming in R, Python or STATA. English Language requirements: IELTS 6.5 overall (minimum of 5.5 in all other sub-skills).
- Desirable: Masters in AI or Machine learning would be advantageous.
How to apply: Please see here for more details.
Contact details: Jeremie.Nsengimana@newcastle.ac.uk
PhD Studentship: AI for Melanoma Prognosis & Inflammation in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Newcastle University
Join a pioneering research environment at the Newcastle Cancer Centre, where you will have the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking work in AI and cancer prognosis. With a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, you will benefit from extensive training, networking opportunities, and access to a vibrant community of experts in biostatistics and cancer research. This PhD studentship not only offers competitive funding but also positions you at the forefront of innovative cancer treatment strategies, making it an exceptional place for aspiring researchers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PhD Studentship: AI for Melanoma Prognosis & Inflammation in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current PhD students or faculty members in the field of AI and cancer research. A friendly chat can give you insights into the programme and might even lead to a recommendation.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to interview, make sure to express why you're excited about using AI in cancer research. Share any relevant projects or experiences that highlight your skills and enthusiasm.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical questions! Brush up on your programming skills in R, Python, or STATA. Be ready to discuss how you've used these tools in past projects, especially in relation to data analysis or bioinformatics.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need to make your application stand out.
We think you need these skills to ace PhD Studentship: AI for Melanoma Prognosis & Inflammation in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let us see your enthusiasm for AI and cancer research! In your application, share why this PhD studentship excites you and how it aligns with your career goals. A personal touch can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Skills:Make sure to showcase your skills in quantitative subjects and computing. If you've got experience with R, Python, or STATA, shout about it! We want to know how your background makes you a perfect fit for this role.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter. Tailor them to reflect the specifics of this studentship. Mention any relevant projects or experiences that relate to melanoma, chronic inflammation, or AI methods.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to apply through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right place. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need to complete your application smoothly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Newcastle University
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of AI methods and their application in cancer research. Familiarise yourself with melanoma datasets and the role of chronic inflammation in immunity. This will show your enthusiasm and understanding of the project.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Be ready to discuss your programming skills in R, Python, or STATA. Prepare examples of past projects where you've used these languages, especially in quantitative analysis or bioinformatics. This will help demonstrate your technical capabilities.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Don’t just wait for questions; engage with Dr Jérémie Nsengimana and the professors by asking insightful questions about their research. This shows your genuine interest in the project and helps you build rapport with them.
✨Highlight Your Interdisciplinary Approach
Since this project sits at the intersection of statistics, bioinformatics, and cancer immunology, be prepared to discuss how your background and experiences can contribute to this interdisciplinary approach. Share any relevant experiences that showcase your adaptability and collaborative spirit.
