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University of Cambridge

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PhD in Epithelial Cell Fate and Plasticity at the University of Cambridge University of Cambridge in United Kingdom

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Cell Biology

Funding

This is not a core-funded PhD programme. Candidates are required to secure their own funding. Applicants may discuss funding options individually with the proposed supervisor and are encouraged to apply for University funding by ticking the funding option in the Applicant Portal by the funding deadline. Cambridge Stem Cell Institute funding opportunities are also referenced.

Deadline

Dec 8, 2026

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Country

United Kingdom

University

University of Cambridge

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Keywords

Cell Biology
Cancer Biology
Biology
Developmental Biology
Medical Science

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About this position

PhD opportunity: Epithelial Cell Fate and Plasticity at the University of Cambridge, hosted by the Cambridge Stem Cell Institute and led by Dr Maria P. Alcolea.

This project sits at the intersection of cell biology, developmental biology, and cancer biology. The Alcolea Group studies how epithelial progenitor cells behave in the mouse oesophagus and how squamous epithelial cell fate changes during homeostasis, injury, and preneoplastic mutation. The research aims to understand mutant clonal competition, epithelial stem cells, cell fate, and the mechanisms of early tumorigenesis.

Planned approaches include in vivo lineage tracing, transcriptional network analysis, and 3D organoid plus explant culture systems. The project is well suited to students interested in epithelial tissue dynamics, stem cell behavior, and how normal repair programs can be co-opted during cancer development.

Funding: This is not a core-funded PhD. Applicants must secure their own funding, although Cambridge Stem Cell Institute and University funding routes are mentioned.

Eligibility / application notes: Applicants must first secure a supervisor’s support before submitting a formal application. Prospective students are encouraged to contact Dr Alcolea directly to discuss project ideas, supervision, and funding options.

Deadline: The listing shows Tuesday, 8 December 2026.

Funding details

This is not a core-funded PhD programme. Candidates are required to secure their own funding. Applicants may discuss funding options individually with the proposed supervisor and are encouraged to apply for University funding by ticking the funding option in the Applicant Portal by the funding deadline. Cambridge Stem Cell Institute funding opportunities are also referenced.

What's required

Applicants must secure the support of a supervisor within a laboratory before submitting an application. Prospective students should contact Dr Maria P. Alcolea to discuss potential projects, supervision, and funding options. The post is for a PhD in Stem Cell Biology and candidates are expected to arrange their own funding; no specific academic entry criteria, language scores, or GPA thresholds are stated in the post.

How to apply

Email Dr Maria P. Alcolea directly to discuss a potential project and supervision. Secure a supervisor’s support before submitting the formal application. Then apply to the PhD in Stem Cell Biology through the University of Cambridge Applicant Portal and indicate that you wish to be considered for funding.

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