PhD opportunity in Leukaemia Biology

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

Rewiring the Transcriptional Machinery of Myeloid Blood Cancer: Therapeutic Targeting of Transcriptional Co-regulators

We are pleased to announce this exciting postgraduate opportunity within the Leukaemia Biology 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.

DNA analysis on a screen with pipettes
Tim Somervaille in the Paterson Building
Enhancer activation by pharmacologic displacement of LSD1 from GFI1 induces differentiation in acute myeloid leukemia

PhD project details

The project will explore how transcription factors and their associated co-activator and co-repressor complexes control gene expression, chromatin accessibility, cell identity and therapeutic response in myeloid blood cancers. Depending on the interests and expertise of the successful candidate, there may also be an opportunity to pursue the preclinical development of novel molecules targeting an emerging therapeutic vulnerability in human leukaemia.

Our laboratory has a strong track record of translating fundamental mechanistic discoveries towards the clinic. This includes work establishing LSD1 as a therapeutic dependency in myeloid blood cancers (Harris et al., Cancer Cell 2012, PMID: 22464800; Maiques-Diaz et al., Cell Reports 2018, PMID: 29590629) and developing therapeutic approaches targeting the EP300/CBP transcriptional co-activators (Nicosia et al., Cancer Cell 2023, PMID: 37995682).

We welcome applications from exceptional students with backgrounds in cell biology, molecular/chromatin biology, bioinformatics, chemical biology and/or medicinal chemistry, and the project can be tailored to the skills and scientific interests of the successful candidate.

Tim Somervaille

Prof Tim Somervaille is a Clinician Scientist at the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute where he leads the Leukaemia Biology Laboratory. He is an Honorary Consultant in Haematology at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust. His scientific and clinical research interest is in myeloid cancer, including acute myeloid leukaemia and the myeloproliferative disorders. He became Professor of Haematological Oncology in 2016.

Leukaemia Biology

The goal of the Leukaemia Biology group is to develop understanding of disease mechanisms in myeloid lineage blood cancers and through doing so to identify candidate therapeutic targets for development through to the clinic.

Much of the focus of the group continues to be on understanding disease mechanisms in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Despite much progress in recent years, including the FDA approval of several novel therapies, it remains the case that long term survival from AML remains poor, especially in those over the age of 60. The group works on understanding how transcription factors and their associated chromatin cofactors sustain myeloid blood cancers such as AML. We recently reported our discovery of how a small molecule bromodomain inhibitor of the acetyltransferases EP300 and CBP induces cell cycle arrest and cellular differentiation in blood cancer, as well as our preliminary data from the early phase clinical trial evaluation of CCS1477, where we see promising signs of clinical activity across a range of haematological malignancies.

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 details
Tim Somervaille
Leukaemia Biology
Being a student at the CRUK Manchester Institute

Key objectives

Using state-of-the-art functional genomics, genome editing, proteomics and disease models, the student will undertake ambitious, mechanistically rigorous and clinically relevant research in an internationally competitive environment with exceptional core facilities, outstanding technical expertise, supportive supervision and comprehensive scientific and professional training.

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.