PhD Position | The makeup of squamous epithelia: from the landscape of squamous cell function to the origins of squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous epithelia are flat, surface-covering cells that line body surfaces and human organs like the lungs, oesophagus, cervix or skin. Mutations in squamous epithelia give rise to squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), a major cause of cancer mortality worldwide, with incidences rising sharply due to carcinogen exposure. While SCCs arise from different body locations, they share common characteristics and alterations in conserved cell-to-cell communication pathways. Yet the question of how squamous cells organize their crowded thin architecture, and coordinate this with signals emanating from the disparate neighbouring cells they encapsulate, is still unclear.

The Papagianouli Lab was recently awarded the Academy of Medical Sciences/Wellcome Trust Springboard Award to uncover key regulatory mechanisms underlying the function of squamous cell epithelia, in the relatively simple and amenable fruit fly (Drosophila) testis [Papagiannouli et al., 2019, Stem Cell Reports; Papagiannouli, 2022, Int. J. Mol. Sci; Alvarez & Papagiannouli, 2024, bioRxiv June 6 (doi.org/10.1101/2024.06.02.597033)].

This PhD project will systematically explore the function of squamous cyst cells in the Drosophila testis and how their internal structure facilitates communication with neighbouring germ cells and coordinates tissue-wide responses leading to sperm production. The Drosophila testis is a powerful system, as its simple morphology is combined with sufficient complexity and cellular conservation. Stem cells and differentiating cell types are well-characterised and can be easily traced, while phenotypes can be studied in vivo. To this end, you will use state-of-the-art Drosophila genetic and advanced protein-interaction techniques as well as high-resolution light and electron microscopy. Our findings will impact researchers in stem cell & developmental biology, regenerative medicine, disease modelling and translational research in the longer-term, by targeting the altered signalling networks in squamous cell carcinomas and creating novel therapeutics to treat human disease.

You will be part of a dynamic environment and vibrant PhD community at Medway School of Pharmacy and the Universities of Kent and Greenwich at Medway Campus. You will have access to fully operational fly and molecular lab, shared microscopy and proteomic facilities, and will work alongside our world-renowned collaborators with complementing expertise.

What we are looking for:

We are looking for an enthusiastic, curiosity-driven, motivated student who works both independently and as part of a team that can quickly integrate into an interdisciplinary environment. The ideal candidate will have knowledge on basic molecular biology (DNA isolation, PCR and cloning) and protein (western blot) techniques. Experience in immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy, Drosophila genetics or bioinformatics would be an advantage. Excellent writing and communications skills in English are necessary.

Entry requirements: Applicants should have or expect to obtain a first or upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate subject. A Masters/MSc would be an advantage.

Closing date for applications is the 10th of August 2025. Interviews will initiate as applications come in.

For more information about the lab visit our webpage: https://www.msp.ac.uk/person/fani-papagiannouli

For information about the project  contact Dr Fani Papagiannouli: f.papagiannouli-227@kent.ac.uk

For details about the post visit: https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/the-makeup-of-squamous-epithelia-from-the-landscape-of-squamous-cell-function-to-the-origins-of-squamous-cell-carcinoma/?d3500p126624

To apply visit:  https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/785/pharmacy

Funding covers tuition fees for Home (UK) students (currently £5,006 per annum) and stipend at standard UKRI rate.

International/EU students will have to pay the difference to international fees (at £23,500) and additional VISA costs.

As an equal opportunities institution, we welcome applications from all sections of the community. All appointments are made on merit.