CRISPR kinome screen to identify synthetic lethality targets in meningioma

Director of Studies: Dr Liyam Laraba  

2nd Supervisor: Dr Mahmoud Labib  

3rd Supervisor: Professor David Parkinson  

4th Supervisor: Dr Leandro Jose De Assis  

Applications are invited for a four-year PhD studentship. The studentship will start on 1 October 2026.

Meningiomas are the most common primary brain tumours, yet there are limited targeted therapies for aggressive or unresectable tumours. This PhD project will employ an innovative high-throughput microfluidic CRISPR kinome screening platform to identify genes that sensitise meningioma cells to brigatinib.

Using the Brunello kinome library, CRISPR sgRNAs will be introduced into primary meningioma cells. Cells will be exposed to brigatinib, then subjected to a state-of-the-art magnetic ranking cytometry microfluidic sorting platform. Phospho-ERK levels will be quantified as readouts of drug engagement, enabling the precise isolation of resistant and sensitized cell populations. RNA sequencing will be employed to determine the targets of sgRNAs in these populations. Bioinformatic analyses will reveal top candidates for synthetic lethality. Leading candidates will be validated using RNAi and pharmacological approaches, with a focus on drug repurposing to accelerate clinical translation.

The project will be based at the University of Plymouth, leveraging a molecularly annotated biobank of primary meningioma tissues and established in vivo models. The project timeline spans four years with overlapping work packages encompassing CRISPR library screening, microfluidic sorting, single-cell sequencing, and functional validation.

This PhD will provide training in molecular biology techniques, high-throughput microfluidics, CRISPR gene editing, single-cell transcriptomics, and preclinical validation. The candidate will gain experience in translational neuro-oncology research, working within a collaborative, interdisciplinary team.

By identifying kinase targets that drive synthetic lethality in meningioma, this project aims to uncover novel therapeutic strategies, addressing a critical unmet need in brain tumour treatment.
 

Applicants should have a first or upper second class honours degree in an appropriate subject or a relevant Masters qualification. 

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum English requirements for the programme, IELTS Academic score of 6.5 (with no less than 5.5 in each component test area) or equivalent. 

The studentship is supported for four years and includes full Home tuition fees plus a stipend of £19,215 per annum 2025/26 rate (2026/27 TBC). The studentship will only fully fund those applicants who are eligible for Home fees with relevant qualifications. Applicants normally required to cover International fees will have to cover the difference between the Home and the International tuition fee rates. 

There is no additional funding available to cover NHS Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) costs, visa costs, flights, etc.

You can’t work full time while receiving a PhD stipend.

If you wish to discuss this project further informally, please contact Dr Liyam Laraba .
 

To apply, please select the ‘Online application’ link above in the 'Apply' box. Please include the following documents with your application:

For more information on the admissions process generally, please visit our how to apply for a research degree webpage or contact the Doctoral College at research.degree.admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview on/around the week commencing 20 April 2026. We regret that we may not be able to respond to all applications.  Applicants who have not received a response within six weeks of the closing date should consider their application to have been unsuccessful on this occasion.