Development of pancreatic tumour treating field system

Applications are invited for a 3.5-year EPSRC funded UDLA PhD studentship. The studentship will start on 1 October 2026.

Apply 

To apply please use the online application form. Simply click on the online application link below for PhD Electrical and Electronic Engineering 
Within the research section of the application form, in the following field, please add: 
‘Proposed project title/studentship title’ add EPSRC DLA 26-10 Bossing.
When the application asks for a research proposal, please just upload a blank document. A research proposal is not needed for this programme as you are applying directly to a studentship project.

Application guidance 

It is important that you follow the instructions above or your application for this studentship may be missed and therefore will not be considered.
Before applying, please ensure you have read the Doctoral College’s general information on applying for a postgraduate research degree.
For more information on the admissions process please contact research.degree.admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.
Director of Studies (DoS): Dr Torsten Bossing
Second Supervisor: Dr Shakil Awan
Third Supervisor: Dr Dominique Parslow (tel.: 01752 202 082)
Fourth Supervisor: Prof Des Mapps (tel.: 01752 586 325)
Applications are invited for a 3.5-year EPSRC funded UDLA PhD studentship. The studentship will start on 1 October 2026.

Project description 

Several recent studies have reported the effect of alternating current electric fields on brain cancer cells. Cancer cell microtubules have large electric dipole moments and are influenced by a process in which an electric field can affect the way in which the dipoles organize themselves in the cell-splitting process. 
A commercial system (approved in the USA) to treat active Glioblastoma brain cancer tumours using an electrodes which produce sinusoidal electric fields at frequencies of typically 250 kHz and 2.7 V/cm. The commercial electric field system is usually supplemented with chemotherapy drugs.
Pancreatic cancer patients only have a 10%, 5-year, survival rate. Little electric field research has been conducted on cancers (other than brain cancers). There is a need for a non-invasive treatment for pancreatic cancer. The pancreas is very difficult to operate on because of its position in the body - surrounded by other organs. The distances involved are larger than for brain tumours so it is essential to optimise the effect using minimum field gradients.
The objectives of this project are:
  • COMSOL Multiphysics simulations of the design for optimal 2D and 3D electrode system for targeting PC
  • Fabrication and test of the electrode system
  • Development of variable amplitude and frequency control electronics
  • TTF system on in-vitro models of pancreatic cancer and volunteers
The project will also involve support and collaboration with Dr Jon Gil Ranedo and Dr Abigail Parsons.

Eligibility

Applicants should have a first or upper second class honours degree in an appropriate subject and preferably a relevant Masters qualification, with experience form at least two of the following areas: biology, biochemistry, neuroscience, electrical/electronic measurements and finite element analysis/COMSOL. Applications from both UK and overseas students are welcome. 
The studentship is supported for 3.5 years and includes full Home tuition fees, Bench fee plus a Stipend of £21,805 per annum 2026/27 rate.  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.  The international component of the fee may be waived for outstanding international applicants.
There is no additional funding available to cover NHS Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) costs, visa costs, flights etc.
  • The studentship is supported for 3.5 years of the four-year registration period. The subsequent 6 months of registration is a self-funded ‘writing-up’ period.
  • You can’t work full time while receiving a PhD stipend.
If you wish to discuss this project further informally, please contact Dr Torsten Bossing and Dr Shakil Awan.
How to apply
To apply, please click the ‘Online application’ link above. Please include the following documents with your application:
  • CV / résumé
  • Personal Statement (outlining your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake the project).
  • Degree certificates and transcripts (please provide interim transcript if you are still studying). 
  • Contact information for two referees familiar with your academic work.
  • If relevant, proof of English Language Competency (Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language with an IELTS Academic of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component, or equivalent).
Please also see here for a list of supporting documents to upload 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.
The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 24 April 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview shortly thereafter. 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 has been unsuccessful on this occasion.