Investigating radiation-induced modulation of pro-tumorigenic cytokines in meningioma and macrophage co-culture system

Applications are invited for a three-year PhD studentship. The studentship will start on 1 January 2026.
Students and staff in Brain Tumour Centre of Excellence in ¾«Æ·ÎÞÂë¹ú²ú×Ô²ú (2023)

Apply

To apply please use the online application form. Simply select the online application link below for PhD Medical Studies  
Within the research section of the application form, in the following field, please add:
‘Proposed project title/studentship title’ add 26-01 PMS-S6-P1 Juri Na
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.
Investigating radiation-induced modulation of pro-tumorigenic cytokines in meningioma and macrophage co-culture system
DoS: Dr Juri Na
2nd Supervisor: Dr Claire Adams
3rd Supervisor: Dr Emanuela Ercolano  
Applications are invited for a three-year PhD studentship. The studentship will start on 1 January 2026.

Project description

Surgical resection is the primary treatment for meningiomas, but radiotherapy (RT) is commonly used as first-line therapy in cases of incomplete resection, difficult tumour locations, or recurrence, especially since effective chemotherapy options are lacking. RT influences cytokine levels within the tumour microenvironment (TME), affecting immune cell signalling in ways that can either promote or inhibit tumour growth. While several clinical and preclinical trials have explored radioimmunotherapy, success has been limited. No immunotherapy for meningiomas has yet gained FDA approval, though early-phase trials targeting IFN-alpha and PD-1 have been conducted.
Emerging evidence highlights the crucial role of the immune TME, particularly macrophages, in meningioma progression and therapy resistance. Our previous study showed that recurrent meningiomas have elevated IL-6 expression, which further increased when meningioma spheroids were co-cultured with M2-polarised macrophages.
The impact of RT on cytokine signalling in this context remains unclear, as does how immune regulation contributes to treatment resistance or tumour progression. This represents a significant gap in scientific and clinical understanding.
Building on these findings, we hypothesise that RT modulates secretion of both pro-tumoral (e.g., IL-6, IL-10, TGF-beta) and anti-tumoral (e.g., IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha) cytokines within the TME under co-culture conditions. We plan to use a flow-based multiplex assay to profile cytokine changes post-RT, identifying those most significantly altered to better understand and potentially target immune interactions in meningioma.

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 (UK) tuition fees plus a stipend of £19,215 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.
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 Juri Na by email. 

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.
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 12 midnight on 12 October 2025.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview week commencing 20 Oct 2025 shortly after the deadline. 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.