PhD Studentship: Development of Human Lung Cancer Organoid Models to Study Anticancer Drug Response Newcastle University in United Kingdom

[Studentship covers home fees and UKRI rate stipend (£21,805 for 2026/27).]

This PhD studentship at Newcastle University offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of human lung cancer organoid models for studying anticancer drug response. The project is situated within the Newcastle Cancer Drug Discovery Group, a multidisciplinary team of cancer biologists, pharmacologists, structural biologists, and medicinal chemists. The research focuses on KRAS mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), a prevalent and deadly form of cancer in the UK. Targeted therapies for KRAS mutant NSCLC are under active investigation, but resistance—both intrinsic and acquired—remains a significant challenge. Resistance mechanisms may involve additional mutations in the MAPK pathway or alternative signalling responses, such as those mediated by YAP.

As a PhD student, you will develop and assess NSCLC model systems, including cell lines and patient-derived organoids (PDOs). You will evaluate the efficacy of anticancer therapeutics, study cellular signalling responses, and apply genome editing tools like CRISPR to explore the underlying mechanisms of drug resistance. The project includes working with patient samples collected before and after KRAS inhibitor treatment, enabling validation of clinically relevant resistance mechanisms. You will gain hands-on experience in advanced 3D culture systems, imaging, molecular biology, CRISPR genome editing, and target discovery, positioning your research at the interface of translational biology and preclinical development.

The studentship covers home fees and provides a UKRI rate stipend of £21,805 for the 2026/27 academic year. The award duration is four years, starting in October 2026. Applicants should have a strong academic background in biological or biomedical sciences, with experience in molecular biology, cell culture, or cancer biology considered advantageous. A minimum of a 2:1 undergraduate degree or equivalent is typically required, and English language proficiency may be necessary for non-native speakers.

To apply, submit your application online via the Newcastle University postgraduate funding portal, including your CV, academic transcripts, and a personal statement. The application deadline is 6th March 2026. For further details and to access the application portal, visit the provided funding link.