Research Projects
Characterising Novel Molecular Targets for Genome-Informed Precision Cancer Medicine

Ovarian cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in women. Identification of novel, actionable and effective strategies to treat the disease could significantly contribute to the improvement of patient survival. Genomic aberrations in cancer may represent synthetic lethal targets because cancer cells harbouring particular aberrations are contextually more vulnerable to therapeutics than normal cells.

This PhD project will focus on characterising genomic mutations that cause deregulation of signalling pathway and susceptibility of ovarian cancer cells to cancer therapies. The project involves genetic screens, function and pathway analyses as well as anti-cancer drug assays. This research will reveal critical mechanisms determining therapeutic responses in ovarian cancer, with potential translational impact on patient survival.

This is an exciting opportunity to identify new approach to treat cancer. We are looking for candidates who are highly motivated, fluent in English with wet lab experience in biological or biomedical science. Students will become proficient in cell culture, tumour biology, a wide range of cellular and molecular techniques, and omics analyses.

Dr LWT Cheung, School of Biomedical Sciences

Dr Lydia Cheung has a keen interest in genomic characterisation and the associated signalling of cancer, through which we will understand the biology of treatment response and drug resistance. We have identified a number of genomic alterations that may inform therapeutic responses.

Biography
Google Scholar
lydiacwt@hku.hk

For more information or to express interest for this project, please email the supervisor or the specified contact point in the project description.  Interested candidates are advised to enclose with your email:

1. your CV,
2. a brief description of your research interest and experience, and
3. two reference letters (not required for HKUMed UG students seeking MRes[Med]/URIS projects).

Information on the research programme, funding support and admission documentations could be referenced online at the Research Postgraduate Admissions website.

General admission enquiries should be directed to rpgmed@hku.hk.