PhD opportunity in Bioinformatics & Biostatistics, NBC

Now open for applications – close on 28 November 2025 at 1700 hrs

“Single cell multi-omics to interrogate tumour cell responses of epigenetic targeting therapies”

We are pleased to announce this exciting postgraduate opportunity within the Bioinformatics & Biostatistics team in the National Biomarker Centre for intake in October 2026!

We welcome applications from enthusiastic and ambitious candidates with a strong academic track record to our PhD programme. Applicants should hold or expect to graduate with a First or minimum upper-second class undergraduate honours degree (or equivalent from a non-UK university) in a relevant subject and Masters-level and/or other laboratory research experience in cancer. Laboratory research experience as part of, or outside of, a university degree course or a Master-level degree in a relevant subject is advantageous but is not a conditional requirement in making an application.

Applications close on 28 November 2025 at 1700 hrs

PhD project details

The goal of this project is to develop and implement computational methods to process and analyse scMultiome data, so that this technology could be used to discover mechanisms of transcriptional alteration by drugs targeting epigenetic regulation. Specifically, this PhD project will make use of an scMultiome experiment to study the effects of the EZH2 inhibitor Tazemetostat (TMZ) on small cell lung cancer (SCLC) cells and will take advantage of a previously acquired data set that examined how SCLC cells (bulk analysis) respond to TMZ.

Seva Makeev

Seva Makeev leads the Bioinformatics & Biostatistics Team at the CRUK National Biomarker Centre.
He is interested in trying to understand how big data analysis can help to move forward life sciences, particularly in the field of gene expression regulation.

Bioinformatics & Biostatistics Team, National Biomarker Centre

The Bioinformatics & Biostatistics (BBS) team is focused on the development and application of computational methods and bioinformatics pipelines for working with different types of high-throughput data arising from modern experimental technologies. Our objective is to facilitate the discovery of cancer biomarkers through integrative analysis of multiple biological and clinical data types, and to develop these biomarkers and associated computational tools to inform clinical decision-making and improve patient outcomes.

Being a student at the CRUK Manchester Institute & National Biomarker Centre

Here at the CRUK Manchester Institute and National Biomarker Centre, our postgraduate students enjoy a supportive environment, while having the opportunity to sink their teeth into a challenging project alongside receiving tailored training in transferable and generic skills. This vital combination of training and support helps our students develop as independent scientists with excellent career prospects.

PhD project details
Seva Makeev
Bioinformatics & Biostatistics Team, National Biomarker Centre
Being a student at the CRUK Manchester Institute & National Biomarker Centre

About you

scMultiome produces a large volume of sparse data and this studentship provides an exceptional opportunity for an individual with a strong foundation in computational analysis to apply their skills to complex, high-impact biological problems. We welcome candidates either with a formal bioinformatics or computational biology background or with a statistical data analysis background with a strong interest in molecular biology.

Ready to apply?

To apply for this studentship please complete the online application through our secure PhD Student Recruitment portal, which you can access by clicking the “Apply Now” button.

All applications will be considered equally irrespective of ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender, religion/belief, age and nationality. To help the CRUK Manchester Institute monitor equality, diversity and inclusion, you will be asked to complete and submit an EDI monitoring form during the application process. Equal opportunities information will not be shared and will not form any part of the selection process or divulged to members of the selecting, recruiting or interview panels.

Please ensure you submit your application before 1700 hrs (BST) on the closing date.

Closing date: 28 November 2025

Informal enquiries

Why choose Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute?

The Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, an Institute of The University of Manchester, is a world-leading centre for excellence in cancer research. The Institute is core funded by Cancer Research UK (www.cancerresearchuk.org),
the largest independent cancer research organisation in the world.

We are partnered with The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, one of the largest cancer treatment centres in Europe, which is located adjacent to the CRUK MI Manchester Institute in South Manchester. These factors combine to provide an exceptional environment in which to pursue basic, translational and clinical research programmes.