The University of Nottingham is offering a fully funded PhD position focused on investigating how a novel RUNX1 oncoprotein causes acute myeloid leukaemia. The project is supervised by Assistant Professor Sophie Kellaway, along with Professors Alex Thompson, John Schwabe, and David Heery, forming a multidisciplinary team with expertise in blood cancer, chromatin, gene regulation, biochemistry, structural biology, and bioinformatics. This opportunity is ideal for highly motivated students interested in cancer research, particularly in the areas of blood cancer, stem cells, and gene regulation. The PhD is part of the MRC AIM Doctoral Training Partnership, which offers a range of projects across the Universities of Birmingham, Leicester, and Nottingham. The program provides comprehensive training in translational research, with some projects involving industry partners. Applicants will benefit from a collaborative research environment and access to cutting-edge resources and expertise. Eligibility requires a First or Upper Second class UK honours degree (or equivalent international qualification) in a relevant subject. A master’s degree and/or research experience in related fields such as biology, medical science, biochemistry, or bioinformatics is advantageous. The program welcomes applications from home, EU, and international students, though international recruitment is capped at 30% of the cohort due to funding stipulations. The position is fully funded, covering both stipend and tuition fees. The application process involves completing the AIM 2026 application form, submitting a 2-page CV, and providing a screenshot confirming completion of the anonymous Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I) form. Applications must be submitted as a single document to [email protected] by midday (GMT) on 9 January 2026. Applicants are encouraged to contact the supervisors to discuss their fit for the program and to attend one of the applicant webinars for further guidance. This PhD project offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the understanding of acute myeloid leukaemia and to develop expertise in advanced research techniques within a supportive academic environment at the University of Nottingham.

Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) is a complex and aggressive blood cancer with low survival rates, driven by mutations in transcription factors such as RUNX1 and chromatin modifiers. This PhD project at the University of Nottingham's School of Medicine focuses on a newly discovered RUNX1 mutation that produces a novel oncoprotein with a 116-amino acid extension. This mutation is largely uncharacterised and is believed to interact with chromatin modifiers, contributing to the development of leukaemia. The research will combine advanced structural and biochemical analysis of the oncoprotein and its interaction partners with next-generation sequencing and computational biology approaches. You will use induced pluripotent stem cells derived from a patient carrying this mutation to investigate how disruption of gene regulation by specific chromatin modifiers affects blood cell development. The findings will help inform new strategies for treating AML patients with this previously unknown mutation type. The project is supervised by Professor Alex Thompson (lead supervisor), Sophie Kellaway, and John Schwabe, offering expertise in molecular biology, cancer biology, and structural biology. The position is fully funded by the Medical Research Council for four years, covering a stipend, tuition fees (home and international rates), laptop allowance, research training and support grant (£5,000 per annum), and travel allowance (£300 per annum). Applicants should have a strong academic background in biological sciences, biochemistry, molecular biology, or related fields, with a first or upper second class undergraduate degree (or equivalent). Experience in laboratory research, bioinformatics, or computational biology is desirable. International applicants are welcome, but recruitment is capped at 30% of the cohort. English language proficiency may be required for non-native speakers. To apply, visit the MRC AIM website and complete the application form, ensuring all supporting documents are provided. For project enquiries, contact Professor Alex Thompson. The application deadline is 12:00 pm GMT on January 9, 2026. References supporting the research context include key studies on genomic classification and prognosis in AML, molecular basis of RUNX1 mutations, and therapeutic targeting in hematologic malignancies.