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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
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of Cambridge
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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.
More information can be found here
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