The role of exosomal microRNAs in pancreatic cancer diagnosis and therapy response.

About the project

About the Project We are seeking applications to join the Hughes group at York St John University (see https://www.yorksj.ac.uk/our-staff/thomas-hughes.php ) from candidates interested in pursuing PhD research into the diagnosis and biology of pancreatic cancer. The project objectives are to identify cancer-specific microRNAs from exosomes collected from organoid cultures of pancreatic tissues, to assess the functional roles of these microRNAs in pancreatic cancer cells, and to investigate expression patterns of these microRNAs in various clinical samples with a view to defining a diagnostic panel for pancreatic cancer. The project is supported by generous funding from the Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance (see https://hnycanceralliance.org.uk ) and York St John University, and will involve collaborations across Yorkshire, in particular with York Hospital ( https://www.yorkhospitals.nhs.uk/our-services/organdonation/a-z-of-services/rapid-diagnostic-centre/ ), the University of Hull ( https://www.hull.ac.uk/staff-directory/anthony-maraveyas ), and the University of Leeds ( https://medicinehealth.leeds.ac.uk/medicine/staff/505/yazan-s-khaled ). The post will be based at the York St John campus in central York within the biomedical research department, and will start on 1 st February 2027. Eligibility Successful applicants must have an honours degree (2:1 or above) and a postgraduate master's degree from a UK HEI, or an internationally recognised equivalent. The degree must be in a discipline that is relevant to the research. Applicants will need to have completed and received any award needed for entry criteria prior to start date. A provisional grade will not be permitted. Candidates must be able to demonstrate previous lab-based research experience and excellent organisational and inter-personal skills. We welcome applications from candidates with lived experience reflective of the research context of this project and/or encourage candidates from backgrounds that are currently underrepresented in postgraduate study. Enquiries prior to application are encouraged; contact Prof Thomas Hughes on t.hughes@yorksj.ac.uk Application Process Application should be made by following the YSJU admission process, including submission of a CV that highlights previous research experience and contains a statement explaining how the candidate's background makes them suitable for the post. To submit an application, please use this link: https://evision.yorksj.ac.uk/live/sits.urd/run/siwipplgn.login?process=siwippapp&code1=D3RSSSTHXFEB&code2=0005 A research proposal is not required. Please upload a word document that states ‘proposal not required’. Application Timeline Application deadline: 2 nd November 2026 Interviews: week commencing 16 th November 2026 Start date: 1 st February 2027 For admissions queries, please contact PGR Admissions at pgr.admissions@yorksj.ac.uk

Research areas