PhD opportunity in Cancer Dynamics
We welcome applications to our PhD Programme – apply before the deadline on 6th November 2026 1700 GMT
PhD opportunity in Cancer Dynamics
We welcome applications to our PhD Programme – apply before the deadline on 6th November 2026 1700 GMT
Reconstruction of Tumour Evolution and Metastatic Spread in Kidney Cancer
We are pleased to announce this exciting postgraduate opportunity within the Cancer Dynamics research group for intake in October 2027!
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 6th November 2026 at 17:00 GMT.
PhD Studentship
PhD Studentship
Key details
Project title: Reconstruction of Tumour Evolution and Metastatic Spread in Kidney Cancer
Supervisor: Samra Turajlić
Research Group: Cancer Dynamics
Deadline: 6th November 2026 at 1700 GMT
Key objectives
This PhD project is computational and will use large datasets to investigate fundamental questions in cancer biology and cancer evolution, for example:
- How do specific somatic alterations shape the tumour transcriptome, histology and immune microenvironment?
- Do somatic alterations in epigenetic regulators (like PBRM1, SETD2 and BAP1) drive the epigenetic reprogramming during tumour progression?
In Tx300, this will build on an existing detailed picture of driver selection, clonal architecture and disease progression and by integrating transcriptomic and histological data to explore the phenotypic consequences of somatic events. In PEACE, the focus will be on characterising the metastatic architecture of ccRCC and patterns of metastatic seeding.
You will design and apply computational analyses integrating genomic, transcriptomic and imaging data, developing reproducible workflows for large-scale multi-modal datasets. Findings will be integrated with external resources (e.g. TCGA, Genomics England) to validate discoveries and contextualise them within the broader ccRCC landscape, and biological hypotheses generated computationally can be tested experimentally using banked tissue in collaboration with wet-lab colleagues.
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 GMT hrs on the closing date of 6th November 2026.
Any questions? Use this form to contact our student team
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.
Our vision for world leading cancer research in the heart of Manchester
We are a leading cancer research institute within The University of Manchester, spanning the whole spectrum of cancer research – from investigating the molecular and cellular basis of cancer, to translational research and the development of therapeutics.
Our collaborations
Bringing together internationally renowned scientists and clinicians
Scientific Advisory Board
Supported by an international Scientific Advisory Board