PhD opportunity in Chromatin Regulation in Cancer group

OPEN for applications – close on 3 April 2026 at 1700 hrs GMT

"Defining the mechanisms that establish heterochromatin and promote silencing of tumour suppressor genes using electron microscopy"

We are pleased to announce this exciting postgraduate opportunity within the Chromatin Regulation in Cancer 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 3 April 2026 at 1700 hrs GMT

Photograph of Dr Alice Sherrard
Close up of eye pieces of an upright microscope

PhD project details

The Chromatin Regulation in Cancer group investigates how chromatin structure is regulated to drive cell fate transitions during mammalian development and cancer. They have developed innovative tools that combine 3D electron microscopy (EM) with nanogold labelling to directly visualise chromatin ultrastructure in situ and link it to specific molecular regulators and function.
In this project, the student will integrate genomic profiling and high-resolution EM to generate a comprehensive, multi-scale model of how heterochromatin is assembled and how its dysregulation contributes to oncogenic changes.

Alice Sherrard

Alice is a Group Leader at the CRUK Manchester Institute where she heads the Chromatin Regulation in Cancer group. Her lab aims to define the mechanisms that shape chromatin structure during cell differentiation, determine how aberrant chromatin remodelling in cancer reconfigures genome structure and function, and understand how signals from the tumour microenvironment impact chromatin regulation.

Chromatin Regulation in Cancer

The Chromatin Regulation in Cancer group’s research combines cutting-edge light and electron microscopy, genome editing, and genomics in embryonic and cancer models to address fundamental questions in chromatin biology.

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
Alice Sherrard
Chromatin Regulation in Cancer
Being a student at the CRUK Manchester Institute

Key objectives

  • Combine EM with nanogold labelling to map distinct chromatin structural configurations to specific classes of heterochromatin that are marked by known epigenetic regulators
  • Dissect the functional and temporal dynamics of heterochromatin assembly by labelling ERV elements in a time-course following SETDB1 overexpression
  • Use CRISPR to deplete key players of heterochromatin assembly and define their roles in establishing and maintaining silent chromatin compartments

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 (GMT) on the closing date.

Closing date: 3 April 2026 1700 hrs GMT

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.