PhD opportunity in Myeloid Cancer Biology group

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

"Dissecting the Biology of High-Risk Leukaemia through CRISPR Engineering"

We are pleased to announce this exciting postgraduate opportunity within the Myeloid Cancer Biology research group for intake in April 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 17:00 hrs

Headshot photo of Institute Fellow Justin Loke

PhD project details

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is the most common aggressive leukaemia in adults. Its subtypes are defined by distinct genetic mutations. Among these, AML driven by TP53 mutations is associated with extremely poor prognosis, as current treatments, including chemotherapy and allogeneic stem cell transplantation, are largely ineffective. There is therefore an urgent need for improved models to better understand the biology of TP53-mutant AML and to provide systems in which new therapies can be tested.

** Note this Studentship will start in April 2026 **

Justin Loke

Justin Loke is a clinician scientist and Institute Fellow at the CRUK Manchester Institute, where he is establishing his new group Myeloid Cancer Biology. He is a Consultant Haematologist at the Christie NHS Foundation Trust. His specialist interest is in the myeloid blood cancers including acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).

Myeloid Cancer Biology

Blood cancers often arise from mutations in genes that control normal stem cell development. Disorders originating in the bone marrow, such as myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), provide valuable systems to study this process.
The lab uses advanced genetic editing techniques to build experimental models that more closely mimic the complex mutational landscapes seen in patients to investigate how different mutations interact during cancer evolution and how these interactions shape disease behaviour.

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
Justin Loke
Myeloid Cancer Biology
Being a student at the CRUK Manchester Institute

About you

We are seeking a motivated, inquisitive individual with a strong interest in cancer biology and translational research. You will receive training across a broad spectrum of techniques, from molecular biology and CRISPR-based genome editing to in vivo mouse models. The project will also involve the use of primary patient samples, providing direct clinical relevance and integration into a highly translational research environment. This experience will equip you with a versatile skill set and a strong foundation to develop independent research questions in the future.

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.