PhD opportunity in Cancer Immunosurveillance group

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

"Decoding Gut Microbiome Functions in Cancer Immunity"

We are pleased to announce this exciting postgraduate opportunity within the Cancer Immunosurveillance research group 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

Portrait photograph of Dr Evangelos Giampazolias in the Paterson Building reception
Histological section of gut tissue with detailed cellular structures visible under a microscope

PhD project details

This PhD will investigate how nutrient-host-microbiome interactions dictate cancer immunity in mice and humans. The student will work with defined anaerobic commensals to study community interactions under nutrient availability and will combine cutting-edge technologies (single-cell RNA sequencing, proteomics, metabolomics and/or imaging) with computational biology and data science to identify gut-microbiome-immune checkpoints predictive of immunotherapy response.

Evangelos Giampazolias

Evangelos is a Cancer Immunologist and Group Leader at the CRUK Manchester Institute where he heads the Cancer Immunosurveillance group. His lab focuses on understanding the interactions of host cells with commensal microbes or damaged cells that enable the immune system to mount a response against cancer.

Cancer Immunosurveillance

The Cancer Immunosurveillance group combine genetically altered mouse models, modified diets as well as engineering of commensal microbes and tumours to disentangle complex microbiome-host-tumour interactions that underpin cancer immunity. They focus on two fundamental pillars of host physiology – cell death and microbes – that trigger and shape adaptive anti-cancer immune responses under the umbrella of innate immunity. The ultimate vision is to contribute to the basic understanding of cancer immunity and pave the way for therapeutic approaches to overcome immunotherapy resistance.

Being a student at the CRUK Manchester Institute

Here at the CRUK Manchester Institute, 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
Evangelos Giampazolias
Cancer Immunosurveillance
Being a student at the CRUK Manchester Institute

About you

We welcome applicants with computational biology, bioinformatics, data science, biology or immunology background. Training will be tailored to build interdisciplinary skills, whether your background is experimental or computational.

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.