PhD Studentship: Somatic Evolution of the Immune Response to Chronic Inflammation and Liver Cancer Progression Through Single-cell Multiomics

Applications are invited for a fully-funded 4-year PhD studentship based in the Department of Pathology at the University of Cambridge under the supervision of Dr Heather Machado starting October 2025.

Our body's immune system is one of the most powerful tools in the fight against cancer. An improved understanding of how the adaptive immune system evolves in the context of cancer, including the effects of chronic inflammation and the phenotypic changes from premalignancy to cancer progression, could lead to improved cancer outcomes. However, these immune dynamics are difficult to study directly in humans due to longitudinal sampling constraints. To overcome these obstacles, this project will apply state-of-the-art lineage tracing techniques and single-cell multiomics to track CD8+ T cell dynamics in an inflammatory premalignancy and the resulting liver cancer. 

For a more detailed description of the project and application, please click on the 'Apply' button above

Funding* will cover the student's stipend at the current Research Council rate and University Fees. The studentship will be funded for four years from October 2025. *The studentships are available to students who qualify for UK Home fees.

Applicants should hold (or expect to obtain) the equivalent of a UK 2.1 or higher in an undergraduate honours or Masters degree in a relevant subject. The studentship is open to those eligible for the Home rate of University fees.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 4 years in the first instance.

Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University.

All applications should be made online via the University's Applicant Portal for a PhD in Pathology (BLPA22).

Applications should include academic transcripts, CV, statement of purpose and 2 references. An application is only complete when all supporting documents, including the 2 academic references, are submitted. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure their referees submit their references before the closing date. Please also explain your motivation why you wish to pursue a PhD in this area, outline your research interests and background, and describe the qualities and experience you will bring to the role.

Please quote reference PK43590 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Closing date: 03 January 2025

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