cancer research phd studentships

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Opportunities for PhD students and postdoc researchers

We're committed to supporting the next generation of cancer researchers, and our community includes around 550 PhD students and 750 postdoctoral researchers. Our researchers benefit from support including networking groups and events, training, travel grants, and opportunities to begin developing their independent research careers.

Find a PhD or postdoc

Recruitment for PhD studentships and postdoc positions is usually managed independently by the institutes, centres and investigators that we fund around the UK. If you are interested in studying or working with us, we advise you to:

Browse our institutes and centres, and search for positions on their websites

Browse our recently funded awards to find potential supervisors

Search for projects on FindAPhD.com or   FindAPostdoc.com

If you are interested in population research – including behavioural research, epidemiology and cancer prevention – you may be eligible to apply for our Population Research Postdoctoral Fellowship:

Find out more about the Population Research Fellowship

If you already have postdoc experience, you may also be eligible to begin developing your independent research group with our career development fellowships and awards:

Browse our research career development opportunities

Benefits of studying and working with us

As a CRUK-funded student or researcher you will have access to our networking, training and other career development opportunities and benefits, including:

Networking meeting for new PhD students

"Communicating your research" training workshops

Careers day for students nearing the end of their PhD

Annual postdoctoral researchers networking meeting

Annual clinical researchers meeting

Flexible working policies

Disability and accessibility support

We want our research funding to be accessible for everyone. So we’ve developed guidance covering the support we offer grant applicants and grant holders who are disabled or have a long-term health condition.

We welcome researchers from all backgrounds and offer support for anyone needing adjustments in grant applications, interviews and award reporting. 

Entrepreneurial Programmes

Our entrepreneurial programmes will show you how to build a business, connect you to a network of like-minded people and help you find the right advice and support, when you need it.

Black Leaders in Cancer PhD Scholarship Programme

In partnership with Black in Cancer and the Windsor Fellowship, we’re offering a PhD programme for Black undergraduates. By providing funding and comprehensive wraparound support for these students, we can make an immediate and tangible impact on the diversity of our research community. 

Research opportunities for clinical trainees

Clinician scientists provide a valuable bridge between research and clinical practice. We have a number of opportunities to help clinical trainees get a taste of research and develop their careers in cancer research.

Pre-doctoral Research Bursary

Our Research Bursary provides short-term funding to allow clinicians and other health professionals to get involved in research projects early in their career.  

Clinical research training fellowship PhDs

We fund Clinical Research Training Fellowships at each of our translational research Centres. Clinical trainees seeking PhD opportunities should contact Centres directly.

Postdoctoral Research Bursary for Clinical Trainees

This award offers funding for clinical trainees to remain active in research after completion of a PhD.

More career development opportunities

We offer a range of fellowships, bursaries and other support to help outstanding scientists and clinicians develop their independent research careers.

Research career development opportunities

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Stay up to date with research and career development opportunities at CRUK with our monthly  Research Update  email newsletter.

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Cancer Biology PhD Program

Established in 1978, the interdisciplinary Cancer Biology PhD Program is designed to provide graduate and medical students with the education and training they need to make significant contributions to the field of cancer biology. The program is led by Laura Attardi, PhD, and Julien Sage, PhD, and currently has over 60 participating faculty members representing a variety of specialties.

Coursework during the first year equips students with a broad understanding of the molecular, genetic, cellular biological and pathobiological aspects of cancer. By the beginning of the second year, students have chosen a research advisor and begun work on their dissertation projects. An annual program conference provides students with an opportunity to present their research findings, receive feedback and forge collaborations with faculty and fellow students. 

The Cancer Biology program also sponsors a postdoctoral scholar track in which accepted MD and PhD scholars pursue research under the guidance of a faculty mentor. 

Program Directors

Cancer Biology Program Website

Diversity in all forms enhances Stanford Medicine's core missions — education, research and health care. 

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Faculty and guest speakers provide updates and expert perspectives on diverse aspects of cancer research.

Funding Opportunities

Expert tutelage and financial support helps trainees develop the independence, critical skills and sense of inquiry that will allow them to meet the challenges and changes that lie ahead.

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PhD studentship opportunities

‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌The Department of Surgery and Cancer have a number of postgraduate research opportunities, which are listed in the table below when they become available. The Institute of Global Health Innovation  also offers a number of studentships each year affiliated to their associated centres. 

If you're looking for funding to undertake a PhD with a supervisor from the Department of Surgery and Cancer, please see the Imperial fees and funding page.

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PhD studentships

We only accept applications from the proposed supervisor. Students who are interested in becoming a Breast Cancer Now PhD student should contact the supervisors directly.

Opening:  Monday 26 February 2024

Closing:  Tuesday 30 April 2024

Outcome:  We'll inform applicants of their application outcomes in December 2024.

Read our full PhD studentship guidelines .

Please note, applications for project grants and PhD studentships are considered in the same funding round and discussed at the same Grants Committee meeting. You may only apply for either 1 project grant or 1 PhD studentship as lead applicant but may apply as co-applicant or collaborator on more than 1 application in either scheme.

1. About our PhD studentships

The scope of the scheme.

We design our PhD studentships to propel new and highly qualified science graduates into a career of breast cancer research. Our Grants Committee (GC) will assess your application based on:

• The research plan
• Clear relevance to breast cancer research
• The perceived outcomes that will lead to a significant advance in understanding of breast cancer and its impact
• The quality of the environment in which the award is to be held
• The support provided by the supervisor and the host institution to help develop the student's career in research 

It is the expectation that the awards will enrich scientific understanding and expertise in breast cancer research. Applicants should have conducted independent research in the field of breast cancer or be an experienced researcher in a related field, and should wish to build on their history and reputation in the breast cancer area, deepening their knowledge and experience.  

PhD grant awards can be for 3 or 4-year studentships and can cover student stipend, student fees, college fees (where applicable), research expenses and essential equipment. Named academic/clinical co-applicants and collaborators are permitted from outside the UK and Ireland.

Applications should be made by the principal investigator whose position and salary will be guaranteed by the host institution. Our PhD grants are available to researchers working in an institution in the UK or Ireland. Co-applicants may be based elsewhere, but the PhD studentship and its principal investigator must be based at an institution in the UK or Ireland in order to be eligible for funding.

Collaborative applications from within UK and Ireland are welcome, although the contracted grant (and associated funding arrangements) will be with the lead applicant's institution. Applicants must have a strong track record in their field.

What areas of research will Breast Cancer Now support?

Applicants should indicate how their proposal meets one or more of Breast Cancer Now’s key strategic objectives as outlined in our strategy :

• Improving treatments, care and services for those affected by secondary breast cancer.
• Improving support for the physical and mental health, and the emotional wellbeing of people affected by breast cancer.
• Developing kinder, smarter treatments for people with breast cancer and improving access to treatments for those affected.
• Improving detection and diagnosis of breast cancer.
• Furthering our understanding of why breast cancer occurs and spreads and using our knowledge to help prevent breast cancer developing.

The funding available

The total amount requested must not exceed £170,000 and will include £2,500 for conference costs.

2. Eligibility

Please note the following:

• Applicants and PhD studentships must be based at a recognised university, research institution or NHS trust in the UK or Ireland
• If researchers require a visa to work in the UK, they may qualify for the accelerated Global Talent visa route. This is open for promising and talented individuals in specific sectors wishing to work in the UK
• We welcome applications from lead investigators who have conducted independent research in the field of breast cancer or are experienced researchers in a related field
• Applicants may be new to breast cancer research, but the proposed team must include people with relevant breast cancer expertise
• Applicants should have a track record of identifying and maximising potential in others (e.g. through managing and mentoring their own staff and early career researchers, as primary supervisor of PhD students
• We are committed to supporting young investigators in breast cancer research and encourage applications from talented early career researchers
• Lead applicants should hold employment or honorary (if a clinical academic) contracts that extend beyond the period of the grant.
• Lead applicants with a fixed-term position may apply, but they must include a letter from the head of department to indicate that their salary will be covered for the duration of the PhD
• Applicants may not apply for more than 1 grant in the same funding round as lead applicant but may apply as co-applicant or collaborator on more than 1 application
• Applicants may have spent time away from research (e.g. a career break, maternity leave, long-term sick leave). Our reviewers will allow for this when the application is considered
• Co-applicants and collaborators may be based at institutions outside the UK/Ireland and/or at pharmaceutical or biotech companies • We will consider applications for research that will take place within the NHS. Should the research become part of a clinical trial, we will fund the research but will not act as a sponsor
• We will consider applications for students undertaking a part-time PhD to facilitate flexible working arrangements
• Group leaders based at the Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre who are already funded by Breast Cancer Now may not apply as lead applicant but may apply as co-applicant or collaborator

The following will not be accepted:

• Applications from commercial entities
• Applications from prospective PhD students themselves
• Applications from clinicians taking time out of programme to undertake a PhD
• Research proposals into conditions other than breast cancer
• Applications for equipment only. We will accept requests for small pieces of equipment as part of your proposal, but you must include a clear justification for this request
• Applications which request funding for consumables or running costs only
• Applications from an individual who is not employed by an eligible institution
• Applications for methods or service development
• Projects part-funded with other funders

3. Accelerated UK work visa

If researchers require a visa to work in the UK, they may qualify for the accelerated g lobal talent visa route . This is open to promising and talented individuals in specific sectors wishing to work in the UK.

4. How to apply

Applications should be made using our online Grant Tracker system . You must complete all sections of the application form. The lead applicant, co-applicants, head of department and institution’s research grants (or finance) office must complete the declarations at the end of the application form in order to submit the application. Co-applicants must confirm their involvement and provide a full CV online. Each collaborator must confirm their involvement in the PhD online and provide a letter detailing their role in the PhD.

If you have any queries about filling in this application form, please contact the research team at  [email protected] .

Please read our full PhD studentship guidelines   before applying.

5. Application review process

Our Grants Committee will assess your application based on importance and relevance of the research question, originality, methodology, preliminary data, justification for animal use and severity of procedures, applicant track record and the suitability of the project and research environment for a PhD student.

We use a preliminary screening step in our review process. The Grants Committee members carry out an initial review of all the applications and identify those they think will not be competitive. These applications will not be sent out for external peer review and will not be considered for funding.

If we are not going to take your application any further, we will let you know within 12 weeks of the application deadline, and we will send you feedback from the Grants Committee.

Please see  Our Funding Processes   section for more information.

6. Useful links and documents

Please visit our research projects section for recent projects awarded.

View research grants success rates . 

A list of our grants committee members. 

7. Contact us

If you are unsure about the eligibility and remit of your PhD, please contact the research team at [email protected] before you submit your application. Once the deadline has passed there will be no opportunity to consider individual circumstances and applications not meeting the requirements will be rejected without peer review.

8. Have a question?

Try our  frequently asked questions .

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Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute PhD Graduate Programme

The CRUK Manchester Institute is a leading cancer research institute within the University of Manchester, and is supported by major core funding from Cancer Research UK, the largest independent cancer research organisation in the world.  The CRUK MI is at the heart of the Manchester Cancer Research Centre , a partnership that brings together the expertise, vision and resources of its founding partners: The University of Manchester, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust and Cancer Research UK, all of whom have formidable individual reputations in the fields of cancer treatment and research.  Cancer Research in Manchester is world leading. Cancer is one of The University of Manchester’s research beacons, showcasing pioneering discoveries, interdisciplinary collaboration and cross-sector partnerships that are tackling some of the biggest questions facing the planet.

In April 2017, The Paterson Building, which housed most of the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, suffered a major fire resulting in significant damage. During the period of rebuilding our world-class research facilities, our studentships were either based at the Manchester Cancer Research Centre (Oglesby Cancer Research Building), South Manchester, which has excellent facilities to carry out research, or at the internationally-renowned life sciences campus at Alderley Park. We returned to the new building and to our original site in Withington, Manchester, next to The Christie NHS Foundation Trust (Wilmslow Road, M20 4BX), UK in June 2023.

One of our current PhD students, Hannah Sheedy, talks about her research as she takes us on a tour of the Paterson Building:

CRUK MI comprises over 350 postdoctoral scientists, clinical fellows, scientific officers, administrative and technical staff, postgraduate research students and visiting fellows.  The CRUK Manchester Institute is currenty located across two building on the same site; the Paterson Building and the Manchester Cancer Research Centre (Oglesby Cancer Research Building).  Both buildings house research groups that are part of the Division of Cancer Sciences, The University of Manchester.   Groups work on many aspects of cancer research, from programmes investigating the molecular and cellular basis of cancer, to those focused on translational research and the development of novel therapeutic approaches, with considerable synergy and interaction across all groups.

The CRUK Manchester Institute offers postgraduate degrees for students interested in a career involving cancer research.  The Institute considers education of research and clinical scientists to be a major investment in the future generation of cancer researchers, and has an excellent track record of launching careers in basic, translation and clinical research.  As part of this commitment,  we have an active postgraduate programme that provides first class students and clinical research fellows the opportunity to study for cancer-related PhD degrees through a training programme that aims to improve effectiveness in research, provide professional and management skills and enhance career development.  Ninety-nine percent (99%) of our students in the past 8 years have found employment after graduation; half of these are in USA or European laboratories, with 20% of these students continuing to progress in their clinical careers in the NHS. Students leave the CRUK MI with excellent career prospects across the world. 

Cancer Research UK PhD Studentships

We are committed to training the next generation of cancer research scientists, helping launch careers in basic, translational and clinical cancer research. Postgraduate students enjoy a supportive environment, a challenging project and, together with tailored training in transferable and generic skills, development as independent scientists with excellent career prospects will ensue. 

A PhD should be an exciting and stimulating time.  We are looking for talented and motivated graduates with backgrounds in biological and biomedical sciences, mathematics, computer science and/or chemistry interested in pursuing scientific research careers.  As well as benefitting from dynamic and interactive research environment, graduate students will have access to outstanding facilities within the Institute.  

Each year we recruit students to join us on our 4 year PhD programme. Cancer Research UK studentships within the Institute and we welcome applications from UK, EU and international students.  CRUK studentships are fully funded by Cancer Research UK and come with a generous tax-free stipend (living allowance) of £21,000/annum (outside of London), tuition fees and allocation of appropriate level of funding to ensure the project bench fees are fully supported.  Projects are typically conducted within a single research group, although many students find themselves interacting and collaborating with more than one group as their project matures.

Studentships are advertised on our webpages annually in October/November with interviews taking place in January/February of the academic intake year. We are flexible as to intake within University postgraduate semesters with registrations in either April or September.  Additional PhD studentships and vacancies may be advertised at various times throughout the year.

Hear from some of our current PhD students on their research and experience at the CRUK Manchester Institute here

Self-Funding Students

If you have secured your own funding (stipend, tuition, bench and living fees) to undertake and support a PhD degree, and you are interested in study with a supervisor based at the CRUK Manchester Institute, you can submit an application directly to the University of Manchester for consideration; https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/apply/    Your application should clearly state how you intend to fund your studies for the duration, an outline of your proposed research and interests, supporting academic, sponsorship and financial documentation.  You will need to select "PhD Cancer Sciences" as the programme description on the application form.  Please note, regardless of funding, the CRUK Manchester Institute PhD admission criteria remains as above: a first or upper second class honours degree and minimum level of English language qualification.

Visiting Postgraduate Students (maximum 12 months)

Each year a number of students that are currently registered for a PGR programme at another institution spend time at the University undertaking research and training. All visiting students must be formally registered with the University of Manchester.

Appropriate registration of PGR student visitors on the student record system means that the University can meet its legal obligations for monitoring and oversight of students, e.g. for immigration, insurance, health and safety, and export control due diligence purposes. All students visiting the University for more than a week must be registered on Campus Solutions. Registration ensures the student experience, providing University identification, allowing access to email, access to the library and other buildings and facilities, as well as ensuring associated insurance cover.

It is, therefore, a requirement that the University of Manchester's Doctoral Academy is made aware of all visiting PGR students to enable the following:

• approve all tuition fee levels in advance of the student arrival (by the relevant Division Senior PGR)
• identify students that are considered to be part of a collaborative research arrangement (which attracts a one-off lower fee)*
• formally register the student on the University system to allow the payment of appropriate fees which covers swipe card, email, library access, insurance cover for access to buildings and facilities

Tuition fees may be applied at the ‘collaborative fee’ rate when the student is attached to a supervisor as part of a genuine collaborative research initiative, or when a supervisor has relocated from another institution with their research group but the student remains registered at that institution.

If you are interested in a visiting postgraduate place to study with a supervisor based at the CRUK Manchester Institute, you should contact the proposed supervisor directly to discuss further before submitting an application to the University of Manchester for consideration.

Monitoring, Mentoring, Progression and Supervision

Students offered a PhD position at the Institute will receive high quality training in scientific research through an intellectually demanding, but achievable research project.  Projects are internally and externally peer-reviewed and approved by the Education Committee in advance of a student commencing their project.  Every student will have a main supervisor, a nominated co-supervisor to contribute their expertise, and pastoral advisor to provide impartial support and advice.  A laboratory supervisor (post-doctoral fellow or associate scientist) will ensure that day-to-day supervision is provided for technical support.

eProg is the University of Manchester's online progression system to support you through the duration of your PGR programme.  It allows you to break down the requirements of the programme into manageable goals and supports you in planning achievable targets.  eProg enables you and your supervisory team to record and reflect on your progress against agreed objectives and deadlines.  Ultimately, it helps students complete their research programme both effectively and on time with set milestones and deadlines. eProg is accessible from any location throughout your PhD.

PhD progress is monitored via a mixture of oral presentations, written reports and progress meetings.  These modes of assessment are designed not only to provide formal points at which progress is monitored, but also to help develop the presentations skills which are a fundamental part of a successful research career.  We ask our PhD students to present their data regularly within their own research groups and also at internal/external seminars throughout their project.  This focused environment is key in providing an opportunity to present and discuss your research with peers.  

CRUK Manchester Institute Education Committee 

The Education acts for postgraduate students based within a core-funded Cancer Research group.  The Education Committee's goal is for every student to have an approved research degree proposal at the commencement of their studies ensuring this is both achievable and intellectually stimulating.  Alongside the supervisory team, the Education Committee monitors student progression, attends student talks and provides written feedback to students throughout the various yearly assessment stages of their project.  

The Education Committee is staffed by the Institute's senior group leaders, operational staff and student representatives;

• Chair and Director: Tim Somervaille
• Ex-Officio Member:  Caroline Dive
• Postgraduate Tutor: Santiago Zelenay
• Postgraduate Manager: Julie Edwards
• Academic staff members: Georges Lacaud, Claus Jorgensen, Caroline Wilkinson, Amaya Viros, Carlos Lopez Garcia, Mark Williams
• Student Representatives:   Sophie Richardson, Florentia Mousoullou

PGR Director

The School PGR Director leads postgraduate research activities within the School and works with the Head of School — and a team of Senior Tutors at Division level – to ensure that PGR objectives and issues are addressed at both a strategic and operational level.

Postgraduate Tutor (PGT)

Within the University of Manchester's School of Medical Sciences there is an appointed Postgraduate Tutor (PGT).  The role of the PGT within the CRUK Manchester Institute is to approve eProg milestones, advise on research progress, approve theses examiners, to provide academic and pastoral support and to serve as an Education Committee member.

Meetings and Conferences

The CRUK MI runs an external seminar series featuring talks from many of the leading scientists in cancer research, which our students attend. The speakers are internationally renowned scientists and we consider it essential that our students are exposed to outstanding research from leaders in different disciplines, which will give them a broad understanding of many aspects of cancer research and basic biology. In addition, we hold a series of weekly postdoctoral research seminars and attendance from PhD students is also an integral part of their learning. While students themselves are asked to give talks at key points during their PhD, they also have opportunities to present their work at lab meetings and during student forums within the Institute.

STAy (Science TakeAway) is a Committee group run by junior scientists and students in the CRUK Manchester Institute with the aim of providing a forum for discussions and training related to research, communication of scientific engagement and development of social and networking opportunities.  STAy are keen to encourage networking, career progression and personal growth of early-career researchers. 

The CRUK Manchester Institute Colloquium takes place annually in September, and is an excellent opportunity for our new intake of students to meet other established PhD students, members of the Institute, including group leaders, postdoctoral fellows, and scientific officers.  This forum communicates up to date science in the form of oral presentations given by group leaders and second year PhD students, as well as poster presentations from a range of scientists across the Institute covering all aspects of cancer research.

Cancer Research UK contributes towards an exclusive annual international PhD Student Cancer Conference (IPSCC) allowing high calibre students from top cancer research institutes across Europe to organise and present at their own scientific conference.  Core participating Institutes include the CRUK Manchester Institute, The Francis Crick, Cambridge Institute, Beatson Institute, Netherlands Cancer Institute, European School of Molecular Medicine, German Cancer Research and Max Delbruck Center for Molecular Medicine.

Manchester is a diverse and cosmopolitan city with a compact and friendly centre.  It is a vibrant and dynamic city where culture, food, music, night life, shopping and sport are second to none - all within easy access via tram, train and bus links.  There is something for everyone in Manchester!  We are also central for discovering the more tranquil surrounds of Cheshire, Peak and Lake District National Parks as well as North Wales, all of which have plenty to offer.

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Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute The University of Manchester Wilmslow Road Manchester M20 4BX

Telephone 0161 306 0871 Email [email protected]

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PhD in Cancer Research

Search for solutions to one of medicine's greatest challenges with an innovative Cancer Research PhD from UNMC.

Why earn a PhD in Cancer Research?

Advancement in the detection and treatment of cancer continues to accelerate through ground-breaking research, yet cancer remains one of the most complex and challenging problems of biomedical research.

As a cancer researcher, you'll work to better understand the causes of cancer, and to find new ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer.

We're in an exciting new dawn in biomedical science where we will see many cures previously deemed impossible.

Why earn a PhD in Cancer Research from UNMC?

Cancer research is a key area of research at UNMC, which features the National Cancer Institute-designated Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center. The Cancer Research Doctoral Program, offered through the Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases , is the cornerstone of our National Cancer Institute-supported Cancer Biology Training Program.

The Cancer Research Doctoral Program is one of the seven programs within the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences and includes approximately 100 faculty from the Eppley Institute and other basic and clinical departments within UNMC. You'll work in state-of-the-art laboratories and participate in important cancer research with nationally and internationally renowned scientists.

Cancer researchers at UNMC are engaged in work that addresses the root causes of cancer, as well as the means of enhancing the detection and treatment. This research employs a wide range of animal and cellular model systems, includes both basic and translational research, and focuses heavily on the molecular basis of cancer. As a result, you'll receive broad-based training in all aspects of cancer biology and employ cutting-edge experimental approaches.

Our innovative program trains future scientists to approach cancer research knowledgeably and creatively and to enter careers in which they can make a significant contribution.

Program Snapshot

Education opportunities.

You'll receive advanced training in cancer research. We offer special courses on translational cancer research and grant writing and seminar presentation skills. You'll also have the chance to attend discussions of cancer cases by oncologists and participate in interdisciplinary clinical/basic cancer research groups.

Learn more about IGPBS

The Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases

The Eppley Institute is fighting cancer with some of the brightest minds in science. Faculty and students have access to state-of-the-art research equipment both within the Eppley Institute and in other shared on-campus facilities.

Careers & Outcomes

Program graduates are highly recruited for postdoctoral work in top laboratories at universities, government laboratories and private industry. Many graduates assume research or teaching careers in academia; others take research positions in biotechnology firms, government or pharmaceutical companies or in the health care or medical professions.

Recent Job Titles

• Senior Licensing Specialist
• Assistant Director of a Clinical Molecular Oncology Laboratory
• Director of Bioengineering
• Scientific Director
• Clinical Scientist
• Medical Resident

Recent Postdoctoral Fellowships

• Yale University
• Johns Hopkins University
• The Mayo Clinic
• Harvard University
• MD Anderson Cancer Center

Areas of Research

Causes of cancer.

This area of research includes evaluation of the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to cancer incidence, as well as cancer prevention. Research efforts include functional genomics, DNA damage and repair, nutrition and cancer, environmental risk factors, cancer genetics and animal models of cancer.

Molecular and Cellular Characteristics of Cancer

This research focuses on the differences in molecules and cells that help define cancer. The following avenues are taken in research at the molecular level: gene expression, signal transduction and structural biochemistry.

Diagnostics and Therapeutics

State-of-the-art technology couples with cutting-edge cancer research to identify new ways of diagnosing and treating cancer. Several research innovations are used, including high-throughput screening for novel anti-tumor drugs, analysis of unique clinical cancer resources, identification of new cancer biomarkers and immunotherapy.

Connect with Us

For more information, please contact Dr. Joyce Solheim ( [email protected] ) or Misty Pocwierz-Gaines ( [email protected] ) in the UNMC Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer & Allied Diseases.

Related Programs

Students interested in this program may wish to explore:

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PhD Studentships in Cancer Research at the University of Cambridge

The University of Cambridge has selected cancer as an Interdisciplinary Research Centre, highlighting the paramount and timely importance of cancer research across the University's Schools and Departments.

Graduate students play a vital role in the continuing success of research in Cambridge and gaining a studentship is an excellent opportunity to start a research career in an environment committed to training outstanding cancer research scientists of the future.  We seek highly motivated and talented students to contribute to our research by joining one of our PhD programmes set to commence in October 2018.  In addition to the excellent research facilities and supportive colleagues in their own departments, students will have access to the wide range of talks, courses and activities organised across the University.

For further information about the available projects, including eligibility criteria and how to apply, please consult the appropriate website. 

Cancer Research UK Cambridge Centre 4-year MRes + PhD Studentships  

The Cancer Research UK Cambridge Centre is launching a fully-funded innovative MRes + PhD programme for 2018. The new course is designed to give students a broad understanding of both the basic biology and the clinical management of the whole spectrum of malignant disease. The course also allows students to develop their own skills in experimental science as well as in project design and management.

The first year MRes degree comprises two research rotations, a weekly Lectures in Cancer series together with a week of intensive teaching in genomic medicine, and a one- to two-week placement in a patient-facing setting.

Five CRUK Cambridge Centre MRes + PhD studentships are available for non-clinical applicants, to commence in October 2018. 

Students will choose one of the following CRUK Cambridge Centre Programmes: Cellular and Molecular Biology Programme Early Detection Programme Haematological Cancers Programme Neuro-oncology Programme / Paediatric Cancers Programme  Urological Cancers Programme

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Cancer Research UK PhD programme

Applications Now Closed

Applications are invited from outstanding candidates to join a Cancer Research UK funded PhD programme at the Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre. These are funded by the Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre, a joint initiative between Edinburgh and Glasgow which brings together cancer scientists and clinicians from across the Universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow, delivering outstanding cancer research and improved patient care. The Cancer Research UK PhD programme is integrated into the research activities of the Centre with over 80 principal investigators contributing to this cross-disciplinary programme spanning from fundamental science to translational research. Research projects benefit from state-of-the art facilities for genomics, mass spectrometry, advanced microscopy, single cell technologies, and from advanced computational and informatics capabilities.

The Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre is committed to high quality training, mentorship and research excellence to prepare the next generation of scientists to tackle the most challenging questions underpinning oncology. This training will enable you to think critically, undertake mechanistic research and to make new discoveries. The Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre is situated within the Institute of Genetics and Cancer (IGC), embedded within the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine. The Institute provides an outstanding training environment, overseen by a well-established IGC Graduate School, with state-of-the-art facilities and a variety of opportunities for postgraduate research study. There is a great sense of community within the IGC, with over a hundred postgraduate students and a thriving postgraduate society (POGs) which runs career talks, social events and an annual scientific retreat.

Application procedure

Up to 4 studentships are available to start in September 2023 for outstanding applicants with a stipend of £21,000 p/a. These 4 studentships are funded by the CRUK Scotland Centre, a joint initiative between Edinburgh and Glasgow. Successful students for the Edinburgh lead projects will be registered for their degree in Edinburgh and will undertake their project in Edinburgh. 

Candidates should hold at least an upper second-class degree in a relevant subject and comply with University of Edinburgh English language requirements.

All applications will be administered centrally via the University of Edinburgh and applicants should apply on the link below: https://www.ed.ac.uk/studying/postgraduate/degrees/index.php?r=site/view&edition=2022&id=237

Please note that applicants are not required to submit a research proposal when completing the online application process and should enter details of the project(s) they are interested in applying for.  However, the CRUK Scotland Centre form is required to be uploaded to the system.    Please leave the application number field blank - administration team will complete this.

Closing date: 5 March 2023

Interviews are expected to be held week beginning 17 April.

Applications are open to all individuals irrespective of nationality or country of residence.

Interrogating the impact of cardiovascular risk factors on outcomes for patients with brain tumours

Identification of biomarkers of drug response in soft tissue uterine sarcoma

Understanding the chromosome 11 CRC risk locus genes and the role they play in intestinal homeostasis

A multimodal deep learning model to predict individual cancer patient survival probabilities

The Precision of New Therapies for Intraoperative Brain Cancer Surgery

The role of dynamic changes in proteome in pancreatic cancer initiation

Cancer Institute MPhil/PhD

London, Bloomsbury

A full or part-time research degree at the UCL Cancer Institute offers an unrivalled foundation for building a career in cancer. World-class facilities, expert supervision and wide-ranging training opportunities will give you the skills and network to help shape cancer research and practice in academia, biomedicine, or healthcare.

UK tuition fees (2024/25)

Overseas tuition fees (2024/25), programme starts, applications accepted.

• Entry requirements

A minimum of an upper second-class UK Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 3

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website .

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree

Research within the UCL Cancer Institute is diverse and spans various disciplines including molecular and cellular biology, cancer genetics, immunology, genetic engineering, cancer therapeutics and bioinformatics.

Research students on this programme join one of five research departments within UCL ' s Cancer Institute:

• Cancer Biology
• Haematology
• Clinical Trials.

You will develop your research hypothesis with your supervisors and undertake novel laboratory, bioinformatic or clinical research as part of their research team. You will regularly discuss your data and analyses with your supervisors and share your findings in a variety of forums, ideally leading to presentations at conferences and publication of your work.

Knowledge and skills development is a core priority of the programme, and you will be supported in this area by a supervisory team. In addition to your principal supervisor, you will have a thesis committee which comprises a secondary (subsidiary) supervisor and between one and three thesis committee members.

In your first year, you will have a compulsory training programme run by the Cancer Institute that will improve your research skills and provide networking opportunities. This is in addition to the optional research methods modules offered on the UCL Doctoral Skills Training Programme.

Who this course is for

This course will appeal to high achieving students who want to join a world-class centre in cancer research. It is suitable if you have a strong academic background as a clinician, scientist, or other profession focused on cancer. We welcome students come from around the world and your study will be based in London.

What this course will give you

This programme offers you the following benefits and opportunities.

• A collaborative research environment that spans basic research, translational medicine, and clinical applications.
• Close links with associated clinical trials facilities, experimental cancer medicine centres, biobanking facilities and associated partners and hospitals in London such as the Royal Free Hospital, UCL Hospitals (UCLH), Cancer Research UK and the Crick Institute.
• Developing skills including bench and technical skills, critical evaluation of scientific literature, experimental planning and design, interpretation of data results, presentation/public speaking skills, time and project management, working within a team, working independently, and writing for various audiences.

Making an impact

Case study: Catching and treating more prostate cancers worldwide

Thanks to UCL research, millions of men each year benefit from more accurate diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer with significantly fewer side effects.

The foundation of your career

Our excellent facilities, supervision and training opportunities prepare you for future careers in academic posts, industry, business, biomedicine, and healthcare.

The lecture on CAR-T for the Cancer MSc programme was the first time I can remember thinking 'Wow! I am interested in this.' Now, my PhD involves the targeting of a glioblastoma-specific antigen and exploring different constructs. Morgan Palton Cancer Institute, PhD Learn more about Morgan

Employability

Graduates go on to academic posts at universities around the world. Other career pathways include laboratory management, research, industry, clinical trials co-ordination, scientific writing and editing, and sales and consulting.

You will also be well placed to go onto further medical training or to take up a clinical post.

The programme is designed to give you networking opportunities throughout your period of study.

These include weekly internal divisional seminars, a fortnightly external speaker seminars and reception, and student poster sessions. You will also attend the annual Cancer Institute Conference, as well as national and international research conferences, and academic careers days.

After graduating, you will be able to join the Institute's alumni network on LinkedIn.

Teaching and learning

Most of your research will be carried out independently. There will also be a series of training requirements that you will need to complete in the early stages of the programme.

All research students attend a training programme on lab skills from January to July in the first year, which covers:

• Human Tissue Act and the Biobank
• Tissue Preparation and Staining
• Basics of Proteomics
• Principles of Good Clinical Lab Practice
• Clinical Trial Design and Regulation
• In vivo Study Design and Regulation
• Preclinical Radiotherapy
• Single Cell Analysis.

Your first milestone will be to upgrade from MPhil to the PhD degree. For this, you will submit and present a report. In your final year, you submit a thesis covering your research and discuss this at a formal interview known as a viva examination.

Most of your time will be spent conducting independent research, alongside regular meetings with your supervisory team and completing your training requirements. We also encourage you to attend relevant research events at UCL and elsewhere.

Research areas and structure

• Antibody-based therapeutics for imaging and treatment of cancer
• Brain cancer and stem cells
• Cellular and gene therapy for cancer and other blood-related disorders
• Chromosomal DNA replication and cancer
• Effects of tumour biology on therapeutic response, tumour immunology
• Epigenetic changes and cancer
• Genetics of sarcoma, acute leukaemia, chronic leukaemia and myoproliferative diseases
• Medical genomics, cancer systems, science and biomedical informatics
• Signalling networks
• Stratified/personalised cancer medicine
• Therapeutic drug-DNA interactions
• Translational projects, clinical trials and epidemiology
• Viral oncology.

Research environment

UCL is a top-rated university in the UK for research strength in the Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021). Our scientists have an international reputation for leading basic, translational, and clinical cancer research and the Cancer Institute is uniquely positioned to leverage the multidisciplinary nature of UCL by engaging a range of disciplines to transform cancer research.

You will join a community of over 300 research scientists and 120 research students within the Cancer Institute. Our combination of fundamental cancer research, clinical links with UCLH and the Royal Free Hospitals, and collaborative links with the Crick Institute and Cancer Research UK, make the Cancer Institute an exciting environment for basic and translational research into cancer.

In addition to individual supervision from your thesis committee and the UCL Doctoral Skills Development Programme, the Cancer Institute runs a series of skills workshops between January and October of your first year. Some of these are project specific, such as knowledge and intellectual abilities, statistics analysis, and writing research papers or grants.

Other training focuses on transferable skills, including personal effectiveness, engagement influence and impact, research governance and organisation, and networking. You can also gain training credits by doing certain activities which are listed on the Cancer Institute Training page .

You will be invited to discuss your data and conclusions at research team meetings, Institute Research in Progress talks, the annual Cancer Institute conference and Research Student poster day. You will also be encouraged to present at relevant international conferences and, where appropriate, to contribute towards scientific publications in your field.

The length of registration for research degrees is usually three to four years for full-time study.

When you accept your place on the programme, you will initially register for an MPhil. You will be eligible to upgrade to PhD student status between 9-18 months.

Within three months of joining the programme, you will be expected to agree the basic structure of your research project with your supervisor, along with the appropriate research methods and a realistic plan of your work.

You will then need to produce and submit a detailed outline of your proposed research for comments and feedback. Following that, you will be ready to undertake the project as part of your supervisor’s research team, sharing your ideas and drawing on the knowledge, expertise, and support of the team.

In your second year, you will continue to explore your research hypothesis and collect and analyse novel data. You will also be expected to upgrade from an MPhil to a PhD.

To successfully upgrade to a PhD, you will need to submit a report summarising your research to date, and to present and answer questions about this work at a viva examination. You will also be expected to present your research to the department at a Research in Progress seminar.

In your third year, you will be expected to complete your data collection and analysis, and to prepare your thesis. You will also be encouraged to present your findings at an international conference or the annual Cancer Institute conference.

Following your third year, you may be eligible to transfer to what is termed 'completing research status' for one year to complete your thesis writing and final viva examination.

The length of registration for the research degrees is usually five years for part-time study.

When you accept your place on the programme, you will initially register for an MPhil. You will be eligible to upgrade to PhD student status between 15-30 months.

Within five months of joining the programme, you will be expected to agree the basic structure of your research project with your supervisor, along with the appropriate research methods and a realistic plan of your work.

In your second and third years (18-36 months), you will continue to explore your research hypothesis and collect and analyse novel data. You will also be expected to upgrade from an MPhil to a PhD.

In your fourth and fifth years, you will be expected to complete your data collection and analysis, and to prepare your thesis. You will also be encouraged to present your findings at an international conference or the annual Cancer Institute conference.

Following the fifth year, you may be eligible to transfer to what is termed 'completing research status' for two years to complete your thesis writing and final viva examination.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk . Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing team .

Where you'll study

At the UCL Cancer Institute, you will join a scientific community of over 400 talented scientists. We are dedicated to discovering new techniques in cancer detection and treatment that can make a different to the lives of cancer patients. Our undergraduate, taught masters and PhD programmes reflect the depth and breadth of research expertise within the UCL Cancer Institute. Teaching is predominantly based at the Hampstead and Bloomsbury campuses.

Fees and funding

Fees for this course.

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees .

Additional costs

Students receive a free printing allowance each year and pay for any additional printing ( see details ). You may also face additional expenses if you attend conferences. The cost depends on the location, exchange rates, and the price of travel and accommodation, but this may be between £200 and £500 per event, based on typical events / destinations attended by recent students. The Cancer Institute provides two competitive travel scholarships each year to support research students attending training workshops or international conferences.

If you are doing a wet lab project, there may be an Additional Fee Element (AFE, also known as bench fees). This is an additional annual cost related to consumables, equipment or materials based on your individual project. This is payable by your sponsor, or yourself, if self-funding. These additional costs depend on the project and will be the same for home and overseas students.

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs .

Funding your studies

Annual CR-UK funded clinical fellowships and non-clinical PhD studentships are available. Please check the Cancer Institute website for details. Other funded studentships will also be advertised on the Institute's website as they become available. Some of our students seek funding from their home country or cancer charities.

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website .

Your first steps are to find a supervisor and funding before applying. You should check both the UCL and the Cancer Institute's studentships to apply for specific projects with grants. You can also reach out directly to any potential supervisor, particularly if you have funding in place from another source. You can identify Principal Investigators via the Cancer Institute website and research them individually. If you need help, please see applying for graduate research study or contact the Admissions Tutor on [email protected].

You can apply at any time. However, there are three entry points over the year. Deadlines and start dates are usually dictated by funding arrangements and supervisor availability, so discuss this with your supervisors.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2024-2025

Year of entry: 2023-2024, got questions get in touch.

Cancer Institute

[email protected]

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CRUK Manchester Institute 4-year PhD studentships

The Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute (CRUK MI) is a leading cancer research institute within The University of Manchester, and is supported by major core funding from Cancer Research UK, the largest independent cancer research organisation in the world.

About CRUK MI

The CRUK MI is at the heart of the  Manchester Cancer Research Centre , a partnership that brings together the expertise, vision and resources of its founding partners: The University of Manchester,  The Christie NHS Foundation Trust  and  Cancer Research UK,  all of whom have formidable individual reputations in the fields of cancer treatment and research.

Cancer research in Manchester is world-leading. Cancer is one of The University of Manchester's research beacons, showcasing pioneering discoveries, interdisciplinary collaboration and cross-sector partnerships that are tackling some of the biggest questions facing the planet.

About the studentships

We are committed to training the next generation of cancer research scientists, helping launch careers in basic, translational and clinical cancer research.

Postgraduate students enjoy a supportive environment, a challenging project and, together with tailored training in transferable and generic skills, development as independent scientists with excellent career prospects will ensue.

Each year we recruit students to join us on our four-year PhD programme through Cancer Research UK studentships within the Institute. We welcome applications from UK, EU and international students.

CRUK studentships are fully funded by Cancer Research UK and come with a generous tax-free stipend (living allowance) of £21,000/annum (outside of London), tuition fees and allocation of appropriate level of funding to ensure the project bench fees are fully supported.

Studentships are advertised on our webpages annually in October/November, with interviews taking place in January/February of the academic intake year.

We are flexible as to intake within University postgraduate semesters, with registrations in either April or September. Additional PhD studentships and vacancies may be advertised at various times throughout the year.

How to apply

Interested students can find full group and project details (when available), entry criteria and details on how to apply on the CRUK Manchester Institute website .

Postgraduate Funding Search

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Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute Studentships

Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute (CRUK CI) offers a number of fully-funded postgraduate studentships for PhD study. The studentships are available to fund specific projects offered by supervisors aiming to recruit PhD students.

Applicants hoping to apply for one of our funded studentships should read through the following notes:

• We will be advertising a number of funded PhD projects from 1st October 2023 on our website .
• Funded PhD project information will only be available between 1st October 2023 and 13th November 2023 (the CRUK CI studentship application window).
• To apply for one of our projects, you will need to complete a standard application for the PhD in Medical Science (CRUK CI) . There is a button on the course page (‘Apply Now’) that takes you to the application form.
• On the application form, you should indicate your choice of project and supervisor in the Statement of Interest and Supervisor sections, respectively.
• All applicants applying for the PhD in Medical Science (CRUK CI) are eligible to apply for our funded projects, provided they apply within the CRUK CI studentship application window 1st October 2023 to 13th November 2023.
• All applicants for CRUK CI studentships should tick ‘Yes – I wish to apply for funding’ in the Funding section of their application.

Please note

• Applicants wishing to apply to us for PhD study outside the CRUK CI studentship application window will also need to apply for alternative funding and cannot be considered for CRUK CI studentships.
• From time to time, we will offer a longer application window for advertised CRUK CI studentships. Please check each individual advertisement carefully for closing date details, in addition to checking the information provided in the Postgraduate Funding Search.

Award details

In addition to the award value, your studentship will cover research consumables, training and conference travel.

To support an extension to study approved by the University.

Appropriate research experience.

Eligibility

Application process, 80 related courses found.

ACED PhD Studentships

ACED has the bold ambition to accelerate and revolutionise research in the early detection of cancers by uniting world leading researchers to bring together the best early detection science across the UK and US.

We are seeking candidates with an outstanding academic record with a minimum upper second class or Master’s degree or equivalent in a discipline relevant to early detection research, including but not limited to: biochemistry/molecular biology, biophysics, computer science, engineering, epidemiology, public health, physics, mathematics, medicine.

Applications for the ACED Non-Clinical PhD Studentships have now closed. Future opportunities will be published here, so please keep checking this page.

ACED PhD Programme

ACED is committed to training the next generation of early detection cancer scientists and leaders of tomorrow within a supportive and flexible training environment. As such, the ACED PhD Programme provides unique support by offering a multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional approach to training by offering a number of funded non-clinical four-year PhD studentships available to be recruited via a central ACED selection process across the UK ACED Centres in Manchester, Cambridge and UCL.

Projects will be published on the CRUK Manchester Centre Research Opportunities webpage and linked below.

Hear from current ACED students who are at various stages of study on the ACED-Funded PhD Students webpage .

Recruitment and Selection Process

Non-clinical four-year PhD studentships are to be recruited via a central ACED selection process. One studentship is available at each of the three UK ACED Centres to commence in the Autumn term following recruitment. Studentships are to be awarded through a competitive application process following agreement between the applicant and approved ACED PhD supervisors to co-create and develop a research project as part of the first year of the studentship. First year students are encouraged to undertake at least two rotations in different research groups either at their host or different ACED Centres to expand their exposure to different scientific disciplines relevant to early detection.

The ACED Skills Exchange and Development Travel Award scheme is available to apply for funding for rotations at other ACED Centres where these costs cannot be covered by the studentship funding.

Mon 25th September – Mon 6th November – Call for applicants

Fri 10th November – Mon 4th December – Shortlisting for interviews

Mon 11th December – Interview invitations sent to shortlisted candidates

w/c 8th January 2024 – Interviews

Before 1st March 2024 – Offer of studentship and GALs issued

Advertised across ACED Centre Members modified to each Centre. Interested supervisors should apply using a single online form capturing:

• Contact details
• Brief outline of research interests relevant to early detection (50 words max) plus relevant URL for further information.
• Research question to form the basis of a research project for the successful candidate.
• Eligibility to act as PhD Supervisor according to Centre specific institutional regulations (formatted to accommodate all Centres)
• Confirmation for contact details to be made available to shortlisted applicants.

Applications for the ACED Non-Clinical PhD Studentships are now open. Please follow this link to find out more about the opportunity . Deadline 6th November 2023.

Adverts of projects will be posted on individual Centre webpages with Centre specific information on prospective projects including:

• Background information
• Details of the studentship
• Supervisor arrangements
• Funding – specifying requirement for eligibility for “home fee” status
• Eligibility – include Centre specific text/links where appropriate
• Details for application

Applicants must state in their application which Centre they are applying to and can only submit one application to the ACED PhD Programme. Candidates will be expected to apply using a single MS Forms application for all three Centres, including the following details:

• Candidate Details
• ACED Centre being applied to
• Work Experience
• Educational Distinctions, Scholarships or Awards
• Research outputs
• Technical skills
• Other relevant skills and information on why applying
• Chosen supervisor from relevant ACED Centre – include links to individual Centre supervisors
• Research question intend to address as part of PhD research project – as posed by chosen supervisor
• Reserve choice of supervisor
• Brief outline of research project to address this question (max 500 words)
• Statement on funding eligibility – include links to requirements for each Centre

Interview/selection panel composed of 5 members, selected to give a broad range of clinical and non-clinical expertise and matched where possible with disease/technology specific experts relevant to the applications being interviewed.

Each interview comprises 35 minutes with candidates asked to give a 5 minute presentation focussing on “What aspect of early detection research you would like to address during your studentship based on the research question from your preferred principal supervisor” considering why they have chosen their preferred supervisor and area of research, how they would approach addressing the research question, what methodologies they would use and why this research is important for cancer early detection.

Questions from the panel

Follow up questions from the presentation, explore in more detail what area of early detection research they want to work on and why. Example questions to expect during the interview will include:

• What made you want to do a PhD? What is your perception of life as a PhD student? What do you aim to get from doing a PhD?
• Why this PhD programme in particular? What are your future research plans immediately after completing your PhD?
• Explain what technical skills you have that make you suitable for a PhD. The first year of this programme involves a training element; what particular skills would you hope to acquire?
• What are the main challenges in detecting cancers earlier? What type of research could overcome these challenges?
• Imagine you had realised you had made an error processing data for your project that was being used by another group as part of a collaboration, what would you do? – or other to assess their approach to collaborative research.

Training and Development

A core goal at ACED Manchester is to enable the next-generation of early detection research scientists to become future leaders.

Research Themes

ACED Manchester's research is prioritised across three key research themes and several disease sites.

Why Manchester?

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The Institute is committed to training the scientific leaders of tomorrow. Our MPhil and PhD programmes prepare students for fulfilling careers in academia, industry, or roles outside of the lab.

Phd in medical science.

The PhD in Medical Science course at the CRUK CI allows students to become fully embedded within their Principal Supervisor’s research team, giving them close interactions with postgraduate and postdoctoral colleagues. Each student will focus on a specific project aligned with the research group, enabling them to contribute to the overall objectives of both the lab and the Institute.

We expect our students to take ownership of their project, driving it forward with assistance from other members of the Institute, which encourages each student to develop the skills they need to become a successful independent researcher. Within four years of commencing study, students are supported to submit their thesis and to prepare their research findings for publication in scientific journals.

Approximately half our PhD students receive funding from Cancer Research UK. In addition, funding may be available from grants held by individual research groups. We also host Clinical Research Training Fellows and students on the Cambridge MB/PhD programme. We welcome applications from students who have won competitive studentships or fellowships.

Prospective students can apply in response to an advertisement placed by the Institute (please follow application instructions n the advertisement). Or if you intend to apply for independent funding (or have already done so) please contact your preferred supervisor before completing an online application via the University of Cambridge Applicant Portal . Please note that you are allowed to apply for both Institute funding and also an alternative independent source of funding for your studies.

All advertised projects include full funding for University and College fees and a stipend of £21,000 per annum. Applications for our PhD Programme are now open – please check our Vacancies page for individual projects.

MPhil in Medical Science

The MPhil in Medical Science research course at the CRUK CI integrates each student within the research team of their supervisor. Working alongside other postgraduate and postdoctoral colleagues, our MPhil students focus on their own projects which are expected to contribute to the advancement of the research of their group. MPhil students are encouraged to attend scientific talks of interest and appropriate training courses that support their study, as well as to participate in all aspects of postgraduate student life at the Institute. At the end of the study period, MPhil students are supported to write a thesis detailing their project. The Institute accepts only a few MPhil students each year, and in the main, applicants are successful if they are recognised as bringing a valuable technique or methodology to their research group.

The Institute provides a single studentship annually, so we recommend prospective students explore alternative funding options before applying.

Prior to submitting the University’s online application form, you should identify a supervisor in the Institute who is willing to host you for MPhil study.

More details about the application process, fees, and other entry requirements can be found on the  postgraduate admissions website . The University and the CRUK Cambridge Institute value diversity and are committed to  equality of opportunity .

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Postgraduate Research at Barts Cancer Institute

At Barts Cancer Institute (BCI) we have over 100 research students, consisting of both scientists and clinicians, working on a wide range of projects across the Institute. We offer the following research programmes:

• PhD (non-clinical)
• PhD (clinical)

We offer a comprehensive support programme for our research students, providing training in a wide range of biomedical laboratory methods and other vital transferable skills. Our aim is to equip students for a career in science and to make them attractive to a variety of potential employers.

Funded Studentships

Each year we offer around 10-15 new PhD studentships funded from a variety of sources, including UK Research Councils and various charities. These are advertised throughout the year. Please visit our  Opportunities  section for current studentships.

We also have the following studentship programmes running each year:

Cancer Research UK Non-Clinical PhD studentships & Clinical Research Fellowships

• This training programme, part of a multimillion pound award from Cancer Research UK (CRUK), aims to develop a cohort of scientists equipped both intellectually and technically to conduct the highest quality research in cancer.
• Applicants will be able to select from a variety of projects offered by our research centres
• This programme is usually advertised in September/October each year

MRC combined MRes and PhD Doctoral Training Partnership Programme in Translational Biomedical Sciences

• Delivered in partnership with the University of Southampton
• Students will complete an MRes in year 1 before progressing to a PhD
• The MRes will involve 3 taught modules and 3 rotational projects.
• Students will then select one of their MRes rotational projects as the subject of their PhD
• Find out more and read about some student experiences

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• Clinical Research Fellowships
• Non-clinical studentships
• I understand that Queen Mary University of London will store my submitted information and I consent to its use for communications in relation to available studentships and/or fellowships

If at any point you would like to be removed from this mailing list, please contact the BCI Teaching Centre stating that you would like to be removed from the list.

Speculative PhD/MD(Res)

If you have already secured your own funding and would like to register for a PhD with Barts Cancer Institute, please look at our  research areas  and contact some potential  supervisors  to discuss a suitable project.

If you are unsure, or require further academic assistance please contact  Dr Sarah-Anne Martin  (Director of Graduate Studies), who will be able to advise you further.

Once you have identified a suitable project and supervisor please submit an online application. You will be required to provide the following supporting documents:

• Confirmation of funding for the duration of the PhD/MD(Res)
• Research Proposal
• Statement of Purpose (usually one side of A4)
• Degree transcripts
• 2 references (at least one of these must be an academic reference)
• English Language certificate (if applicable)

You will need to secure funding for:

• 3 years for a PhD (or part time equivalent
• 2 years for an MD(Res) (or part time equivalent)

Funding will need to cover:

• Tuition Fees
• Project consumables (to be agreed by the supervisor)
• Living costs (approximately £15,000 per annum)

For any general enquiries please contact the  BCI Teaching Office .

Entry Requirements

Advertised studentships will include details of any specific entry requirements. General entry requirements for our research programmes are given below.

All applicants should have or be expecting:

• A first or upper second class honours degree in a relevant biological subject from a UK university or the international equivalent from a recognised institution. For international equivalencies please see  Queen Mary International Office . Or;
• A medical degree from a recognised institution

Clinical Research Fellows

All applicants must have:

• Full GMC registration
• Clinical experience relevant to the post
• Research experience relevant to the project
• A national training number or to be eligible for one

English Language Requirements

Applicants for whom English is not a first language will also require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 (with 6.0 in writing) or equivalent, unless their undergraduate degree was studied in, and awarded by, an  English-speaking country . For more information on acceptable English language qualifications please visit the Queen Mary website .

Programme Structure

PhD - Full Time 3 years research + maximum 1 year for writing up

PhD - Part Time 6 years research + maximum 1 year for writing up

MD(Res) - Full Time 2 years research + maximum 1 year for writing up

MD(Res) - Part Time 4 years research + maximum 1 year for writing up

Enrolment and Induction

If your application is successful you will receive an official offer from the Admissions Team.

• Enrolment takes place on the first working day of each month at the Mile End campus. You will receive an e-mail detailing what is required to complete this process
• You will have a brief induction with the BCI Teaching Office, your supervisor and the Centre Administrator of the research lab you are joining.
• The main induction takes place over 2 days at the beginning of the autumn and spring semester and counts towards your annual transferable skills.
• For any questions contact the Teaching Office:  [email protected]

Student Life

At Barts Cancer Institute, you will find a rich social life, something which  past and current students have noted as one of the highlights of the Institute. Within the laboratory, there is a strong sense of community, with the emphasis on group-driven research work creating a highly collaborative and sociable environment.

There is a dedicated social committee which helps to organise sporting events, pub quizzes and excursions throughout the year, helping you to make the most of this fascinating city in the company of fellow scientists from across the Institute.

It is difficult to imagine a more vibrant and exciting place to be a student than London. The  Charterhouse Square campus is ideally placed for exploring the city, with underground and bus routes located nearby to roam further afield.

Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry

Barts Cancer Institute was formed in 2003 and is 1 of 7 Institutes within  Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry . Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry is part of Queen Mary University of London .

Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry brings together two venerable teaching institutions: St Bartholomew's Hospital, which dates back to 1123, and The London Hospital Medical College, which was the first medical school in England and Wales, founded in 1785.

Today Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry is ranked 1st in London for Medicine ( The Complete University Guide 2021 - subject rankings ). 

Postgraduate Research Opportunities

Are you an international student, our campus and facilities.

Lavanya, PhD Student

"I love living and working in London and this was a big part of my decision to pursue my postgraduate studies here. The collaborative atmosphere at BCI is great and it’s nice to know there will always be someone around to help with troubleshooting a problem in the lab or during data analysis. The range of different research projects undertaken here also promotes a great environment for collaborations between departments. This provides regular opportunities to attend talks and seminars on a diverse range of research topics. As a PhD student, it is refreshing to be able to hear about recent developments in areas of research that are outside of your specific project."

Read Lavanya's full Life as a Researcher profile

Sheila, PhD Student

"During my time at BCI, I have worked closely with varied supervisors across diverse departments and universities. This has given me a comprehensive understanding of the wider work being carried out in the cancer ecosystem and has enabled me to navigate my PhD project holistically. This has also been key in establishing a strong scientific network and forging new and potentially life-long friendships."

Read Sheila's full Life as a Researcher profile

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PhD Studentships

Research training for life science graduates.

The Centre offers a number of 4-year PhD studentships, funded by Cancer Research UK, that are designed to give students an opportunity to complete a PhD in one of its wide range of excellent research labs. These provide students with a stipend of £21,000 per year (to cover their living expenses) plus their university matriculation fees and some lab running expenses. Studentships are open to graduates with a very good degree in a life sciences subject, who have an aptitude for experimental work. Studentships typically start in September or October each year with the call for applications opening 7-8 months before.

Applications are invited from outstanding candidates to join a Cancer Research UK funded PhD programme at the Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre, CRUK Scotland Institute and the School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow. These are funded by the Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre, which brings together cancer scientists and clinicians from across the Universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow, delivering outstanding cancer research and improved patient care. The Cancer Research UK PhD programme is integrated into the research activities of the Centre with over 80 principal investigators contributing to this cross-disciplinary programme spanning from fundamental science to translational research. Research projects benefit from state-of-the art facilities for genomics, mass spectrometry, advanced microscopy, single cell technologies, and from advanced computational and informatics capabilities.

Application procedure

Up to 2 studentships are available to start in September or October 2024 for outstanding applicants with a stipend of £21,000 p/a. Successful students will be registered for their degree in either Glasgow or Edinburgh, depending on the project they apply for.

We are looking for students with a very good degree in a Life Sciences subject and an aptitude for experimental work, who are also highly committed to pursuing a PhD and a career in cancer research. You should hold at least an upper second-class degree in a relevant subject and comply with English language requirements. This scheme is open to both UK and international applicants.

All applications will be administered centrally via the University of Edinburgh or University of Glasgow, please apply using the links below:

Closing date: tbc 2024

Interviews: tbc 2024.

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