Fully Funded PhD Studentship on Tumour-Initiating Cell States and the Epigenome, Cambridge
Job Description
The Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute is offering a fully funded PhD studentship on the identity and function of tumour-initiating states, supervised by Professor Masashi Narita. Applications close on 16 October 2026.
At a glance
- Post: Fully Funded PhD Studentship on Tumour-Initiating Cell States and the Epigenome
- Where: Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge
- Funding: a fully funded studentship; the advertisement states no stipend figure
- Reference: SW51026
- Apply by: 16 October 2026
Read the official University of Cambridge advertisement before you apply.
About the work
The Narita laboratory investigates the biology of preneoplastic cell states, with particular interest in how changes in cell functional identity and plasticity are controlled by the epigenome.
The group asks how oncogenic and metabolic signalling reshapes chromatin organisation and gene regulation, how those changes influence cellular fitness and the tissue microenvironment, and which states ultimately suppress or promote tumour development. That last point matters: not every preneoplastic state leads to cancer, and understanding which ones do is the question.
The PhD project investigates the molecular and epigenetic mechanisms underlying transitions between preneoplastic cell states, using diverse models both in vitro and in vivo.
What you need
- A strong degree in molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry or a related subject
- Read the official advertisement and the group’s website for the full project details and entry requirements
Key dates
- Deadline for application: 16 October 2026
- Course start date: 1 October 2027
The long gap between the deadline and the start is normal for a Cambridge PhD studentship. It gives time for interviews, college admission and, for international students, a visa.
Pay
The studentship is advertised as fully funded. The advertisement gives no figure, so confirm the stipend and fee cover with the department before you accept.
How to apply
Apply online through the Cambridge job page. Quote reference SW51026 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
Check this first. The University states that it has a responsibility to ensure all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK. If you are applying from outside the UK, read the visa position for this post before you spend time on the application.
Browse more research jobs on ResearchJobs.in, or search our Find a supervisor page.
Hiring institution: University of Cambridge
Official advertisement: www.jobs.cam.ac.uk
How to prepare for this application
- Chromatin is the mechanism of interest. Any experience with ATAC-seq, ChIP-seq or Hi-C is worth naming.
- Plasticity and cell identity are the framing. Read the group's work on senescence before you write.
- Quote the reference, SW51026. Cambridge asks for it on the form and in every email about the post.
- Check your right to work in the UK. Every Cambridge advert carries this condition, and it is the usual reason an overseas application stalls.
About the University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge was founded in 1209 and is one of the world's leading research universities. Its research posts are advertised centrally at jobs.cam.ac.uk, with each department running its own selection.