The delineation of pleural macrophages in malignant pleural effusions and identification of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers to inform on future therapeutics

Applications are invited for a three-year PhD studentship. The studentship will start on 1 October 2025.

Apply

To apply please use the online application form. Simply select the online application link below for PhD Biomedical Sciences
Online application
Within the research section of the application form, in the following field, please add:
‘Proposed project title/studentship title’ add BS 25-10 S2-P1 Fejer
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.
The delineation of pleural macrophages in malignant pleural effusions and identification of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers to inform on future therapeutics
2nd Supervisor: Dr Cyrus Daneshvar
3rd Supervisor: Dr Vikram Sharma
Applications are invited for a three-year PhD studentship. The studentship will start on 1 October 2025.

Project description

Malignant pleural disease is common and associated with significant morbidity and mortality. In lung cancer, pleural involvement is common, at times difficult to diagnose, and associated with a poor prognosis. Mesothelioma, an aggressive primary cancer of the pleura, strongly associated with asbestos exposure and common in dockyard communities such as our local Plymouth population.
Macrophages play key roles in tumour development, however very little is known about their pathogenic roles in various forms of malignant pleural disease. This exciting PhD sets out to define the macrophage populations in patients with mesothelioma and malignant pleural effusions through a combination of molecular techniques applied to fluid and tissue samples from pleural diseases. Through characterising the macrophage population, inflammatory profile and tumour microenvironment in a clinically well phenotyped cohort of patients, we aim to enhance our understanding of pathogenesis in these conditions with a view to identifying future clinical and therapeutic tools.

Eligibility

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 3 years and includes full home tuition fees plus a stipend of £20,780 per annum 2025/26 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.
There is no additional funding available to cover NHS Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) costs, visa costs, flights etc.
NB: The studentship is supported for three years of the four-year registration period. The fourth year is a self-funded ‘writing-up’ year.
If you wish to discuss this project further informally, please contact Dr Gyorgy Fejer and Dr Cyrus Daneshvar .

How to apply

To apply, please select 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 see our apply for a postgraduate research programme page for a list of supporting documents to upload with your application.
This vacancy will involve working with children and/or vulnerable adults and any appointment will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check.
For more information on the admissions process generally, please visit our apply for a postgraduate research programme page or contact the Doctoral College . Applications will not be considered if information is missing.
The closing date for applications is 25 July 2025.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview 1 August 2025. 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.