MPhil/PhD Studentship - The LGM project: in vitro modelling of the lipid metabolism in the glioblastoma tumour microenvironment

Investing in excellence: studentship opportunities

The University of Derby has an opportunity for a full-time postgraduate research studentship in the Biomedical and Clinical Science area of research in the College of Science and Engineering (SE).

The successful applicant will receive a maintenance stipend (based on the minimum stipend defined by UKRI, currently £21,805 for the academic year 2026/27) and home MPhil/PhD tuition fees (£5,238 - subject to amendment) only up to the target submission date.

The intended intake period is January 2027.

International applicants may need to defer to March 2027 to allow sufficient time for CAS issuance and visa processing.

Applicants should be aware that a bench fee of £4,500 applies and is not included within the studentship award; this fee is payable by both Home and International candidates, with International candidates additionally responsible for the International Fee Supplement.

Please note: If your application is successful and you are assessed as international for fees purposes, you will need to pay the difference between the home fees and the international fees.

The successful applicant will be expected to complete their MPhil/PhD within 3 years on the MPhil/PhD route, contribute to the College REF submission and get involved in the wider research activities of the College.

Applicants will become part of a friendly and welcoming team and will be supported and managed by their supervisors.

The vacancy details are as follows:

Project description

The Philippine Geiszler Lab is situated in the School of Science at the University of Derby. Our research aims to use metabolic profiling tools to understand the molecular composition of and interaction between cells and organisms to determine how these systems function in health and disease.

The LGM project: in vitro modelling of the Lipid metabolism in the Glioblastoma tumour Microenvironment: the proposed PhD project focusses on the most aggressive and difficult-to-treat brain cancer in adults, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). We have previously shown that the GBM cells communicate with their surrounding cells, namely astrocytes and microglia, via lipidergic molecules, and that these lipids support tumour cell proliferation. In order to find a treatment for this cancer, it is vital that we understand the molecular processes which occur within the tumour’s environment and identify which specific lipids are supportive of tumour growth. The complexity of this tumour microenvironment necessitates the use of advanced biomedical techniques, able to capture the entire metabolic and lipidergic composition and function of the GBM tumour microenvironment.

Purpose/objectives 

The purpose of the LGM project is to comprehensively characterise these lipidergic communication systems within the GBM tumour microenvironment to develop lipid biomarkers for GBM growth and therapeutic effectiveness and to identify targets for future drug developments.

The objectives of the proposed PhD project is to: 

• Develop an in vitro cellular model that mimics the GBM tumour microenvironment, by combining many of its key features, including GBM cells, astrocytes, microglia and hypoxic conditions
• Quantify the amount of lipids present in this model using fluorescence-based cell assays
• Identify and quantify the various lipids involved in this system using cutting-edge metabolomics and lipidomics techniques, including nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)

Potential project impact 

This PhD project offers an exciting opportunity to help understand a disease of extreme unmet need. It will broaden our knowledge of GBM and pave the way for future drug developments.

The LGM project’s research findings will be communicated in scientific journals and to patient groups, advancing research in this area and keeping patients and carers informed with the newest GBM developments.

Principal accountabilities and responsibilities

The PhD candidate will develop skills in cell culture maintenance and assays, protein and lipid quantifications, metabolomics and lipidomics; and in experimental design, method development, quantitative data analysis, interpretation and communication of complex biological data.

We are looking for a candidate with excellent communication skills, laboratory experience and a strong background in molecular biology, biochemistry, neuroscience or a closely related field (e.g. MPhil, MRes, MSc). Above all, we seek a motivated and curious individual who embraces interdisciplinary work, experimental challenges and takes ownership of their research.

To apply

Please review our entry requirements before submitting your application and check out the 'Getting Started' section below.

Completed applications should be submitted via our online application system. It is important that you quote the funding reference: QR_SE_GLIOPLASTOMA_2627

Apply online

Closing dates for applications: Sunday 8 November 2026.

Interviews: Friday 20 November 2026 to Thursday 26 November 2026.

If you have not been invited for an interview by the interview date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful.

For other enquiries which are subject-specific please contact:

Dr Philippine Geiszler - p.geiszler@derby.ac.uk

Assoc Prof Dr Adjanie Patabendige - a.patabendige@derby.ac.uk

Getting started

Before you begin your application, make sure you have the following:

Studentship funding reference code

It is important that you quote the funding reference: QR_SE_GLIOPLASTOMA_2627 in your application, at the top of your personal statement.

Required Documents

Before submitting your application, please ensure you upload all required documents to enable us to assess your application fully. References may be provided at a later stage.

Personal statement

A 500-word personal statement outlining your suitability for the studentship project. This is a mandatory requirement and you must upload it into your application. You should include your reasons for applying for the studentship, your experience in the field, how you feel you would benefit from studying and relevant information about your previous studies.

Your CV

A CV outlining your academic and professional experience.

Qualifications

Your qualification details including grades and dates taken. You will have the opportunity to upload scanned copies of your qualification certificates and transcripts in the application. If you have no formal qualifications, you can also state this in your application.

Photo ID

A scanned copy of your photo ID, such as a passport or driving licence. This will help us verify your application to study with us.

Academic references

Two signed academic references. This is optional at application stage but highly encouraged. If successful in your application, two academic references will be a mandatory requirement of admission. The references should be in written format, signed and dated from either a supervisor or tutor from your most recent studies.

For international applicants

The University of Derby has a network of international agents and representatives in different regions. For postgraduate research degree applications, depending on your country of origin, you may need to apply through an agent. You can contact any of our agents and apply to study with us through them.

Some agents may charge for provision of services so please check this directly with the agent. Please be aware that, if you apply directly to the University without going through an agent, we may contact you and you will be required to re-apply through an agent or representative before your application can be considered.