PhD opportunity in RNA Dynamics in Cancer group

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

"Dissecting the control of dietary nutrients on cancer progression through RNA maturation"

We are pleased to announce this exciting postgraduate opportunity within the RNA Dynamics 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 28 November 2025 at 17:00 hrs

Photo of Junior Group Leader Sylvain Delaunay

PhD project details

The RNA Dynamics in Cancer lab focuses on how diet impacts the course of cancer progression, through the lens of mRNA translation. They have discovered that cells initiating metastasis rewire their RNA modifications landscape to synthesise proteins necessary for energy production and dissemination from primary tumours. The are looking at how these RNA modifications can be reprogrammed by certain nutrients in diet to affect tumour growth, metastasis and patient survival, and how we can use these vulnerabilities to improve cancer treatments.
In this project, they plan to modulate the tumour availability to specific nutrients through diet to identify the key RNA modifications that support cancer progression.

Sylvain Delaunay

Sylvain Delaunay is a Group Leader at the CRUK Manchester Institute, where he runs his RNA Dynamics in Cancer group. He is intrigued by the interplay between diet and RNA modifications in their role in plasticity in cancer cell states, in particular motility and metastasis.

RNA Dynamics in Cancer

The group is interested in exploring the impact of diet on breast cancer progression. They aim to identify key molecular factors involved in this process and target them to prevent cancer growth and metastasis.
Diet represents a significant factor in cancer predisposition, with certain dietary habits known to increase the risk of specific cancers. While much research has focused on the role of diet in cancer initiation, we know far less about how dietary factors influence the progression of the disease.

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
Sylvain Delaunay
RNA Dynamics in Cancer
Being a student at the CRUK Manchester Institute

About you

We are seeking an ambitious, motivated, and focused researcher to join our RNA Dynamics in Cancer group. Our research leverages cutting-edge techniques such as unbiased high throughput screenings, xenotransplantation assays with dietary modulations, ex vivo tumouroids systems, and large-scale molecular biology approaches. Our ultimate ambition is to discover new vulnerabilities in malignant cancers as basis of novel therapeutic strategies and predictive biomarkers to advance precision medicine. Candidates with a strong academic track record and experience in RNA biology or cancer research are highly encouraged to apply. Applications from candidates with exceptional bioinformatics skills who are eager to gain hands-on wet lab experience are also welcome.

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.