The University of Birmingham, through its Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, is offering two fully funded Intercalating PhD Studentships (MBPhD) in Oncology as part of the Birmingham Cancer Research UK Clinical Academic Training Programme. This prestigious three-year programme is designed for early career clinical trainees seeking to develop their research skills in a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment focused on cancer research. The studentships provide comprehensive financial support, including full PhD tuition fees, laboratory consumables (approximately £14,000 per year), a living stipend (£21,000 per year), and coverage of undergraduate tuition fees up to £45,000. While overseas students are welcome to apply, they must self-fund the difference between the home and international tuition fee rates. Applicants should have completed at least two years of the University of Birmingham MBChB programme (or one year if on the Graduate Entry Medicine course) and must have completed or be completing an intercalating degree. For GEM students, an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject is required. The anticipated start date for the studentships is by June 2026. The research focus of the programme is on understanding oncogenesis and tumour immunobiology, with the aim of providing the scientific basis for novel targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and patient stratification approaches. The three core research themes are: Cancer Immunology: Investigating the regulation of anti-tumour immunity, the immunobiology of the tumour microenvironment, and the interplay of tumour genetics, oncogenic signalling, and microbiota. The theme includes characterising new axes of cancer immunosuppression and developing innovative immunotherapeutic strategies. Cancer Genomics: Exploring how DNA damage and repair defects influence cancer predisposition, the role of epigenetic reprogramming in tumourigenesis, and the identification of new therapeutic opportunities through clinical trials on epigenetic modifiers. Genomics studies also focus on how mutational and epigenetic signatures affect patient outcomes and treatment responses. Tumour Microenvironment & Metabolism: Collaborating with the Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research to understand how the tumour microenvironment impacts prognosis and treatment response, and to develop novel therapeutic approaches or treatment combinations. Applicants are encouraged to contact the programme for details of example projects or to discuss their own project ideas, provided they have a clear oncology focus. The application deadline is 2 February 2026. For further information or to apply, contact Fayeon Fyfield-Calder ([email protected]).

The University of Birmingham is offering two fully funded Intercalating PhD Studentships (MBPhD) in Oncology as part of the Birmingham Cancer Research UK Clinical Academic Training Programme, commencing by June 2026. This prestigious programme provides early career researchers with the opportunity to train in a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment at the forefront of cancer research. The studentships are designed for medical students who wish to intercalate a PhD into their medical training. The programme covers full PhD tuition fees, laboratory consumables (approximately £14,000 per year), a generous living stipend (£21,000 per year), and undergraduate tuition fee costs up to £45,000. While overseas students are eligible to apply, they must self-fund the difference between home and overseas tuition fees. Applicants must have completed at least two years of the University of Birmingham MBChB or one year if on the Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM) course. Additionally, candidates should have completed or be completing an intercalating degree, or for GEM students, have completed an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject. The programme welcomes applications from those with their own project ideas, provided there is a clear oncology focus, as well as those interested in the Centre’s key research themes. The research environment is vibrant and collaborative, with core scientific themes including Cancer Immunology, Cancer Genomics, and the Tumour Microenvironment & Metabolism. Projects may explore the regulation of anti-tumour immunity, the impact of tumour genetics and microbiota, novel immunotherapeutic strategies, DNA damage and repair in cancer predisposition, epigenetic reprogramming, and the role of the tumour microenvironment in prognosis and treatment response. The programme is closely linked with clinical infrastructure, enabling translational research and the development of novel therapeutic approaches. To apply, candidates should send a CV, personal statement, outline of research interest and experience, names of two referees, and (optionally) project preferences to Fayeon Fyfield-Calder ([email protected]) by 2nd February 2026. For further information about example projects or to discuss potential research ideas, applicants are encouraged to contact Fayeon at the same email address. This is an exceptional opportunity for aspiring clinical academics to gain advanced research training in oncology, supported by a comprehensive funding package and access to world-class facilities and expertise at the University of Birmingham.

This fully funded PhD project at the University of Birmingham, within the Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, focuses on decoding the molecular mechanisms of the enzyme PIN1 in cancer. PIN1 is a pivotal regulator of DNA repair, cell growth, and stress responses, and its malfunction is implicated in cancer and other major diseases. Despite promising results from new PIN1 inhibitors in preclinical models, the precise molecular workings of PIN1 remain unclear. The research will investigate how PIN1’s two domains interact with different protein partners and how post-translational modifications control its function. You will receive comprehensive training in advanced techniques such as chemical biology, proteomics, and cancer cell biology, equipping you with skills highly relevant to both academic and pharmaceutical research. The project is supervised by Prof JR Morris, Dr RD Doveston, and Prof G Middleton, who are leading experts in cancer biology and molecular mechanisms. The findings from this research will contribute to a deeper understanding of PIN1 biology and support the development of new therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment. The Medical Research Council studentship provides full funding for four years, covering a generous stipend, tuition fees at both home and international rates, a laptop allowance, research training and support grant (RTSG), and travel allowance. Applications are welcomed from home, EU, and international candidates, though international recruitment is capped at 30% of the cohort due to funding stipulations. Applicants should have or expect to obtain a degree in biological sciences, chemistry, or a related field. The application deadline is midday (GMT) on 9 January 2026, and late applications will not be considered. For further information and to access the application form, please visit the MRC AIM website.