Postgraduates Training



The post-graduate PhD and MSc programme provides 3 years of training experience for PhDs, and 2 years for MSc, consisting of research project and structured mentoring, conducted in collaboration with a university. In addition, the training is supplemented by lecture series, journal clubs, workshops, and seminars.

To apply for a postdoctoral training position at CARIF, prospective applicants should e-mail their curriculum vitae and bibliography, along with a cover letter outlining their background and career objectives, to the head of the research laboratory whose area of research matches your academic interest. Positions are available on an ongoing basis in our research laboratories.

 

Dr Yap Lee Fah completed her 3 year Doctor of Philosophy in University of Bristol, United Kingdom and graduated in 2007. Her project title was Molecular Characterisation of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma, which aimed to understand the genetic defects in oral cancer with a view to identifying novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Dr Yap successfully identified a number of genes that are important in the development of oral cancer and showed how the de-regulation of these genes affects aggressiveness of the cancer cells. Dr Yap was sponsored by the University of Bristol Graduate Research Scholarship, the Overseas Research Scholarship and CARIF.
Dr Lim Kue Peng completed her 3 year Doctor of Philosophy in University of Bristol, United Kingdom and graduated in 2009. Her project title was Fibroblasts in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma, with the aim to characterize and elucidate the function of fibroblasts, a major component in the tumour microenvironment in oral carcinogenesis. Dr Lim successfully demonstrated fibroblasts from different stages of oral cancer development are heterogeneous and this heterogeneity is functional significance. Dr Lim was sponsored by CARIF, the Overseas Research Student Awards, UK (2006-2009) and Graduate Research Scholarship by University of Bristol, UK (2006-2009).
Ms Tang Yee Voon completed her Master of Science in University of Malaya in 2010. Her project title was Seaweeds as a Source of Photosensitisers for Photodynamic Therapy of Cancer, where a screening program was carried out on seaweeds of Malaysia for potential photosensitisers for PDT.  This project was supervised by Prof Dr Phang Siew Moi (University Malaya), Prof Dr Chu Wan Loy (International Medical University) and Dr Lee Hong Boon (CARIF) and was funded by CARIF and research grant from University of Malaya.  
Mr Fadzly Adzhar Kamarulzaman completed his Master of Science in University of Malaya in 2010. His project title was Chemical Constituents of Aglaia lanuginose King, with the aim to find new phytochemicals from the plant species called Aglaia lanuginose King.  This project was supervised by Prof Dr Khalijah Awang (University Malaya), Prof Madya Dr Khalit Mohamad (University Malaya) and Dr Lee Hong Boon (CARIF) and was funded by CARIF and research grant from University of Malaya.
Ms Gan Chai Phei completed her Master of Science degree in University of Malaya in 2011. Her project titlewas “Expression of GNA12 and IFITM3, and Their Roles in Oral Carcinogenesis”, where it involves delineating how specific genes cause oral cancer development.  This project was supervised by Prof. Dr. Rosnah Zain (University of Malaya) and Prof Dr. Cheong Sok Ching (CARIF, University of Malaya) and was funded by CARIF and research grant from University of Malaya.   
Datin Amyza Mohammed Saleh is pursuing her Doctor of Philosophy in University of Malaya. Her project title is Gene Expression Pattern of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) from Different Sites of the Oral Cavity, with the aim to compare genetic alterations in OSCC from the different sites as a basis for future molecular targeted therapy. This project is supervised by Prof Dr Rosnah Mohd Zain (University of Malaya) and Prof Dr Cheong Sok Ching (CARIF, University of Malaya) and is funded by CARIF, MOSTI E-Science grants and research grants from University of Malaya.
  
Mr Lim Siang Hui is pursuing a PhD degree in University of Malaya. His project title is Evaluation of BODIPY-based Photodynamic Therapy for Cancer Treatment and Drug Delivery, where he investigate the efficiency of BODIPY in PDT-induced photo-cytotoxicity as well as its vasculature occlusion and vasodilation effects as a potential means for macromolecules delivery. This project is funded by CARIF and supervised by Professor Dr. Chung Lip Yong and Dr. Kiew Lik Voon (University of Malaya) as well as Dr. Lee Hong Boon (CARIF).
  
Mr Mamduh Zabidi is pursuing Masters of Science at Universiti of Malaya, under the supervision of Dr. Ng Ching Ching (UM) and Dr. Yap Lee Fah (CARIF). His project is aimed at identifying potential biomarker and therapeutic targets in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The project was funded by CARIF and research grant from University of Malaya.
  
Ms Phuah Sze Yee is pursuing her Masters of Medical Science in University Malaya with the project title of Analysis of the Prevalence of PALB2 Germline Mutations and Its Contribution to Increased Risk Predisposition to Breast Cancer in Malaysian Population. Her research study is aimed to substantiate the breast cancer predisposing role of PALB2 by investigating the frequency rate of PALB2 mutations among Malaysian breast cancer patients, and characterizing the clinical significance of these mutations. This project is funded by CARIF and a research grant from University of Malaya and supervised by Professor Dr. Teo Soo Hwang (CARIF, University of Malaya) and Professor Yip Cheng Har (University Malaya Medical Centre).
  
Mrs Sharifah Nur Ain Syed Zanaruddin is pursuing a Master degree in University of Malaya. Her project title is High Throughput Mutational Profiling of Signalling Molecules in Oral Cancer, where she study the determination of the dysregulation of signalling pathways in oral cancer.  This project is supervised by Prof Dr Zainal Ariff bin Abdul Rahman (University of Malaya) and Prof Dr Cheong Sok Ching (CARIF, University of Malaya) and is funded by CARIF and research grant from University of Malaya.
  
Ms Shivaani Mariapun is pursuing a Masters degree in Cancer Genetics at University of Malaya. She is a member of the breast cancer team at CARIF and is working on determining whether genomic instability in BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers can be detected in peripheral lymphocytes. The purpose of this study is to discover an effective way to predict for individuals who harbour mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes and therefore are more likely to develop breast cancer.  This project is funded by CARIF and a research grant from University Malaya and is supervised by Prof. Dr. Teo Soo Hwang (CARIF, University of Malaya) and Assoc. Prof. Dr Nur Aishah Mohd Taib (University Malaya Medical Centre).