PhD opportunity in Chromatin Regulation

We welcome applications to our PhD Programme – apply before the deadline on 6th November 2026 1700 GMT

Predicting Cell State from Chromatin Architecture to Understand Cancer Initiation and Progression

We are pleased to announce this exciting postgraduate opportunity within the Chromatin Regulation 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.

Photograph of Dr Alice Sherrard
Electron Microscope Tomogram of a cell nucleus and nuclear membrane

PhD project

We are seeking an ambitious, motivated, and creative researcher to join the Chromatin Regulation Group. The student will receive cutting-edge training in chromatin biology in cancer at a leading global Cancer Research Institute, applying techniques in light and electron microscopy, image analysis, computational modelling, and genomics. Candidates with a strong academic track record and experience in chromatin biology, bioinformatics, or cancer research are highly encouraged to apply.

Alice Sherrard

Alice Sherrard leads the Chromatin Regulation group. Her research aims to understand the mechanisms that regulate chromatin structure to drive lineage decisions in the context of mammalian development and cancer. She has developed cutting-edge electron microscopy methods to label specific proteins and quantify the associated nucleosome-scale structure by electron and cryo-electron microscopy.

Chromatin Regulation

The Chromatin Regulation Group combine cutting-edge light and electron microscopy, genome editing, and genomics in embryonic and cancer models to address fundamental questions in chromatin biology.

They focus on exploring the links between chromatin regulation and cancer cell development and cell identity, drawing on parallels with chromatin changes in normal development, and exploring links to mechanical forces and metastasis. Using novel techniques they investigate mechanisms that shape chromatin structure during cell differentiation and determine how aberrant chromatin remodelling in cancer reconfigures genome structure and function.

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.rnrnThis vital combination of training and support helps our students develop as independent scientists with excellent career prospects.

PhD project
Alice Sherrard
Chromatin Regulation
Being a student at the CRUK Manchester Institute

Key objectives

In this project, you will first work with established collaborators to generate an AI model to identify stages of differentiation from developmental and de-differentiation (induced pluripotency stem cells, iPSC) time courses of chromatin structure we have already generated.

Next, you will generate electron tomography datasets of established cancer models that capture defined stages of cancer initiation and progression and test the ability of their model to predict these stages.

Finally, you will investigate the mechanisms that drive chromatin structural changes using a combination of CRISPR mutagenesis and genomics (ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq). Integrating genomic profiling and high-resolution EM will generate a comprehensive, multi-scale model of pluripotency is established and how its dysregulation contributes to oncogenesis.

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.