PhD Position: Investigating β-Catenin Inhibitors in Hematopoiesis and Acute Myeloid Leukaemia

This MSCA-funded PhD position at the University of Sussex focuses on elucidating the effects of β-catenin inhibitors on normal hematopoietic development, Wnt signaling pathways, and acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). The project aims to test the safety and efficacy of these inhibitors in vitro and in pre-clinical AML models, contributing to the broader goal of developing targeted therapies for AML. The successful candidate will work within a collaborative network, leveraging existing ethical approvals for human cord blood and leukaemia patient samples. The research combines biochemical, cellular, and molecular biology techniques to assess myelotoxicity, Wnt signaling modulation, and leukaemia stem cell eradication. This opportunity is ideal for candidates with a strong background in biochemistry or related fields and a passion for translational cancer research.

• Conduct in vitro experiments to assess the myelotoxicity of novel β-catenin inhibitors on hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPC).
• Characterize the impact of β-catenin inhibitors on Wnt signaling in hematological cells using flow cytometry and reporter assays.
• Evaluate the efficacy of β-catenin inhibitors in pre-clinical models of primary AML samples using co-culture systems.
• Track immunophenotypic markers to monitor the eradication of AML leukemia stem cell populations.
• Collaborate with clinical partners to utilize primary human cord blood and leukaemia patient samples for research.
• Present research findings at conferences and publish results in peer-reviewed journals.
• Contribute to the broader MSCA Doctoral Network research program by integrating findings into the overall project objectives.