This fully funded PhD opportunity at Sheffield Hallam University, offered through the BBSRC Yorkshire Bioscience Doctoral Training Partnership (YBDTP), focuses on understanding tumour cell dormancy in breast cancer using systems biology and advanced multi-omics approaches. The project is supervised by Dr Lewis Quayle (Sheffield Hallam University), in collaboration with Dr Nik Georgopoulos (Sheffield Hallam University) and Professor Penelope Ottewell (University of Sheffield). The research aims to unravel the molecular mechanisms underlying mitotic quiescence and metastatic relapse by interrogating unique RNA-seq datasets from novel dormancy models and validating findings with 10x Genomics Xenium spatial transcriptomics.

The successful candidate will gain hands-on experience in high-performance computing, bioinformatics, network biology, and spatial omics, working at the interface of computational biology, molecular oncology, and translational research. The project offers a unique multidisciplinary environment, combining computational and experimental biology to address key questions in cancer persistence and reactivation. The ultimate goal is to develop a mechanistic framework that could inform strategies to prevent metastatic relapse in breast cancer patients.

The position is open to applicants worldwide and is based in Sheffield, UK. Funding is provided by the BBSRC and covers tuition fees and a stipend for living expenses. Applicants should have a strong background in biological sciences, computational biology, or bioinformatics, with experience in relevant techniques highly desirable.

The application deadline is 7th January 2026. For more information and to apply, visit the provided links or contact Dr Lewis Quayle at [email protected].