Targeted treatments for high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in children

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is the most common paediatric malignancy and, despite marked improvements in treatment over the past 60 years, it remains one of the most common causes of death from disease in children. While most children will experience good outcomes, several high-risk ALL subtypes, as well as children who experience relapse from their disease, require the development and testing of novel targeted treatments to facilitate cure.

This Master’s or PhD project is part of a larger preclinical drug testing endeavour funded in the Primary Supervisor’s lab by the US National Cancer Institute continuously for 21 years. Novel targeted drugs are selected for testing in patient-derived xenograft models of paediatric ALL, in collaboration with industry partners. The most active agents are then prioritised for advanced testing and for progression into clinical trials. Several opportunities exist to further elucidate the mechanisms of action of these active drugs, and the molecular determinants of sensitivity or resistance, using cutting edge cell and molecular techniques.

The Higher Degree Research Candidate will master cutting edge cell and molecular techniques to test hypotheses relating to anti-leukaemic drug mechanism of action and determinants of in vivo sensitivity or resistance, some of which will include: 

1. Forward genetics using gene overexpression, knockdown and knockout
2. Genome-wide and small library CRISPR/Cas screening in vitro and in vivo
3. Cell and molecular techniques including flow cytometry, RT-PCR and immunoblotting
4. Experience in working with patient-derived xenograft models of acute leukaemia

How to Apply

Express your interest in this project by emailing Professor Richard Lock. Include a copy of your CV and your academic transcript(s).