In-depth omics profiling of the apical fallopian tube surface towards early ovarian cancer targeting

Closing date: 07/03/2025

MB-PhD Project: In-depth omics profiling of the apical fallopian tube surface towards early ovarian cancer targeting

Lead Supervisors: Dr Christine Schmidt
Co-Supervisors:
Prof. Richard Edmondson and Prof. Igor Larrosa

Applications Deadline: Friday 7th March 2025

Project Keywords: Ovarian cancer; STIC lesions; Fallopian tubes
Research Opportunity: Intercalated PhD, leading to the award of PhD and MBChB

Project Outline

Ovarian cancer remains one of the deadliest gynaecological cancers, often diagnosed at advanced stages when treatment options are limited. Discoveries over the past decade indicate that many of these cancers originate in the fallopian tubes, presenting a unique window of opportunity for early detection and intervention. This project aims to explore the molecular landscape of the fallopian tube surface during the early stages of ovarian cancer, focusing on precancerous lesions arising in this environment. By mapping these changes, the research could uncover potential biomarkers for early diagnosis and new therapeutic targets.

The study will use innovative profiling techniques to identify key surface molecules that change during early cancer development. These findings could pave the way for new methods of detecting the disease at its earliest, most treatable stages, as well as inform the creation of targeted therapies using biologics or advanced cellular treatments.

In the long term, this project has the potential to deepen our understanding of ovarian cancer’s early stages and provide alternative, less invasive detection and treatment options, for high-risk women, particularly those with genetic predispositions. Such strategies could preserve fertility in these women and improve their quality of life, representing a significant advance in ovarian cancer care.

We are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive research environment, aligning with principles of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). This project welcomes applicants from all backgrounds, encouraging diverse perspectives and collaborative research. The studentship also offers strong career development opportunities, including mentoring, engagement with Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) initiatives, and collaboration within the NEMO (Novel Early Markers for Ovarian cancer) consortium, a friendly, highly dynamic and international group focused on early ovarian cancer detection. We seek motivated candidates with a background in cell and molecular biology, or related fields, and a strong interest in cancer research.

About Dr Christine Schmidt (project Lead Supervisor)

Christine completed postdoctoral positions in Prof. Stephen Jackson’s group at the Gurdon Institute/University of Cambridge between 2011 and 2016, and Dr Tom Misteli’s group at the National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, USA, between 2009 and 2011. She was awarded her PhD in Dr Frank Uhlmann’s group at the CRUK London Research Institute/University College London where she performed her studies between 2004 and 2009.

Find out more

Dr Christine Schmidt

About the lab group

Find out more about the lab group involved in this project and how we support your wellbeing, learning and career development.

PhD Lead Supervisor and Co-Supervisors
Lab environment and culture
Research and meetings
Mentorship
Work-life balance

Key information

Find answers to some common questions about our MB-PhD Studentships.

Eligibility
Fees and Funding
How to apply
Applications Timelines

Useful Links

MB-PhD Studentships

Find out more about our MB-PhD Studentships which allow you to study a fully-funded PhD alongside your medical degree.

Get in Touch

Contact Dr Georgina Binnie-Wright, Postgraduate Programme Manager.

A Day in the Life of an MCRC MB-PhD Student

Watch our short video to see what it's like to be an MB-PhD student in Manchester.

Researcher Stories

Read first-hand experiences of from cancer scientists from across Manchester.

Why Manchester?

Find out why postgraduate students choose to study in Manchester.