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University of Cambridge

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Fully-funded PhD in Understanding the Identity and Function of Tumour-Initiating States University of Cambridge in United Kingdom

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Cell Biology

Funding

Fully funded four-year studentship funded by Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute. Covers full University fees and includes an index-linked stipend starting at £22,894 per annum for four years in 2027-28.

Deadline

Oct 16, 2026

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Country

United Kingdom

University

University of Cambridge

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Keywords

Cell Biology
Molecular Biology
Cancer Biology
Biology
Medical Science
Genetic
Epigenetic
Genomic
Bioinformatic

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About this position

PhD opportunity at the University of Cambridge / Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute in tumour-initiating states, cancer biology, cell biology, genetics, genomics, molecular biology, molecular genetics, and related bioinformatics / epigenetics approaches.

The project, supervised by Prof Masashi Narita, focuses on the biology of preneoplastic cell states and how cell identity, plasticity, chromatin organisation, and gene regulation are reshaped by oncogenic and metabolic signalling. The PhD will investigate molecular and epigenetic mechanisms underlying transitions between preneoplastic states using in vitro and in vivo models of early tumorigenesis. Depending on the student’s interests and project direction, methods may include mammalian cell culture, molecular and cell biology, genetic perturbation, imaging, epigenetic/chromatin profiling, genomic and single-cell approaches, and collaboration with computational scientists.

This is a fully funded PhD studentship at the world-leading Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute. Funding includes full University fees and an index-linked stipend starting at £22,894 per year for four years (2027-28).

Eligibility: applications are welcome from UK and overseas students. Candidates should hold or expect to gain a First or Upper Second Class degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject from a recognised university. Prior laboratory research experience is highly desirable; experience with cell culture, microscopy, chromatin/epigenetic assays, genetic manipulation, or cancer/ageing models is advantageous but not essential. Computational or bioinformatics experience is helpful but not required.

Deadline: 16 October 2026. Start date: 1 October 2027.

How to apply: submit an application through the University Applicant Portal via the Cambridge course page. Include the project reference SW51026, the supervisor name, research experience, statement of interest, transcripts, referee details, CV/resume, and English language evidence if applicable.

Funding details

Fully funded four-year studentship funded by Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute. Covers full University fees and includes an index-linked stipend starting at £22,894 per annum for four years in 2027-28.

What's required

Applicants should have a First or Upper Second Class degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject from a recognised university worldwide, or expect to obtain one. Recent graduates and final-year undergraduates are eligible. Relevant research experience is strongly encouraged, especially hands-on laboratory experience. Preferred but not essential skills include mammalian cell culture, molecular biology, microscopy, genetic manipulation, chromatin or epigenetic assays, cancer or ageing model systems, and computational or bioinformatics expertise. Applicants should have a strong interest in mechanistic biology and experimental cancer research. English competence evidence is required if appropriate.

How to apply

Apply via the University Applicant Portal using the Cambridge postgraduate course page. Select commencement in October 2027 and include the project reference code SW51026 and supervisor Masashi Narita. Prepare transcripts, English evidence if needed, two referees, CV, research experience, and statement of interest.

More information can be found here

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