Samra Turajlić

The Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, part of the University of Manchester, is offering seven fully funded PhD studentships for entry in 2026. These prestigious 4-year positions cover a wide range of cancer types and research techniques, from fundamental cell biology to translational projects with direct clinical impact. Projects are led by group leaders across the Institute, including topics such as engineering and targeting recurrent aneuploidy in cancer, dissecting the biology of high-risk leukaemia through CRISPR engineering, decoding gut microbiome functions in cancer immunity, investigating the metastatic niche in organ-specific SCLC metastasis, inducing leukaemic differentiation to prevent post-transplant relapse, dissecting the control of dietary nutrients on cancer progression through RNA maturation, and characterising the immune response to immunotherapy in malignant and healthy tissue. Students will benefit from training and support from the University of Manchester, as well as clinical and scientific connections with The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Division of Cancer Sciences, and Manchester Cancer Research Centre. The Institute offers a friendly postgraduate community, opportunities for professional development, and a strong focus on student welfare. Applicants should have or expect to obtain a First or Upper-Second class undergraduate honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject, with Masters-level and/or laboratory research experience in cancer considered advantageous. Applications are open to enthusiastic and ambitious candidates with a strong academic record. The deadline for applications is 28 November 2025 at 17:00 UK time. For full details and to apply, visit the provided website.

The Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, in collaboration with The Francis Crick Institute, is offering multiple PhD opportunities for students interested in cutting-edge cancer research. Projects span topics such as understanding and targeting aneuploidy in cancer, dissecting the biology of high-risk leukaemia, decoding gut microbiome functions in cancer immunity, and characterising immune responses to immunotherapy. Supervisors include leading researchers such as Samra Turajlić, Justin Loke, Tim Somervaille, Evangelos Giampazolias, Caroline Dive, Kathryn Simpson, Mark Williams, Sylvain Delaunay, and Santiago Zelenay. Students will have access to advanced technologies including CRISPR, iPSC differentiation, and complex 3D models, and will benefit from a vibrant postgraduate community, training, and support services. Applicants should have a strong academic record, with a First or Upper-Second class undergraduate degree in a relevant subject, and laboratory research experience is advantageous. The Institute is core funded by Cancer Research UK, and positions are typically fully funded. Applications close on 28 November 2025.