A role for Orphan Nuclear Receptors as therapeutic targets of melanoma

Apply and key information  
Summary

This project focuses on the NR4A1-NR4A3 sub-group of nuclear receptors, known to act as potent sensors of stress to control a range of physiological and pathological processes. Our preliminary data and examples from recent reports based on other cancer types, form basis for our hypothesis that NR4A receptors mediate critical interactions within the skin microenvironment crucial to the progression of cutaneous melanoma.  This project will form part of a research collaboration between Ulster University and University of Limerick that is investigating the role(s) of NR4A receptors to the development of melanoma and progression to metastatic disease. The work will seek to establish the relevance of NR4A receptors to skin health, and how their interaction with both synthetic and nutrient derived metabolites may form basis for novel stage-specific treatment targets of melanoma. The work will involve the application of molecular, cell biology and pre-clincial models to assess NR4 activity within skin cell types and their utility as therapeutic targets for treatment of melanoma.

Important Information

Applications for more than one PhD studentship are welcome, however if you apply for more than one PhD project within Biomedical Sciences, your first application on the system will be deemed your first-choice preference and further applications will be ordered based on the sequential time of submission. If you are successfully shortlisted, you will be interviewed only on your first-choice application and ranked accordingly. Those ranked highest will be offered a PhD studentship. In the situation where you are ranked highly and your first-choice project is already allocated to someone who was ranked higher than you, you may be offered your 2nd or 3rd choice project depending on the availability of this project.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
• Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications record appropriate to career stage
• Experience of presentation of research findings

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living

Recommended reading

• Crean D, Murphy EP. Front Cell Dev Biol. 2021; DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.589770
• Han YF, Cao GW, World J Gastroenterol. 2012; DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v18.i47.6865
• Kiss T et al.Pathol Oncol Res. 2021; DOI: 10.3389/pore.2021.581395
• Mallick S, et al. ACS Chem Neurosci. 2021; DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00707
• Murphy EP, Crean D. Biomolecules. 2015; DOI: 10.3390/biom5031302
• O'Kane M, et al. J Invest Dermatol. 2008; DOI: 10.1038/sj.jid.5701023
• Safe S et al. Essays Biochem. 2021; DOI: 10.1042/EBC20200164
• Smyth A, et al. Methods Mol Biol. 2019; DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9195-2_3
• Tusa I, et al. Oncogene. 2018; DOI: 10.1038/s41388-018-0164-9

The Doctoral College at Ulster University