Overview
Professor Sir Shankar Balasubramanian is seeking a student to work on the structure and function of the genome. This position will be primarily based in the Balasubramanian Lab in the CRUK Cambridge Institute, and will involve collaborative interactions with the group's sister lab in the Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry.
Project details
Our lab exploits chemistry and biology to address fundamental mechanisms of genome function. The student will join a team exploring the formation, dynamics and functions of four-stranded DNA G-quadruplex structures and modified DNA bases in the genome. The work includes understanding mechanisms that regulate gene expression, DNA replication and genome stability and how these impact cell state changes. The project references work published in Genome Biology, Nature Chemistry, PNAS and Nature Communications (selected years: 2021–2025).
We have recently developed methods to map the binding of nucleic acid-interacting drugs and small molecules and approaches for genome sequencing of modified bases, with ongoing exploration of further base modifications and interactions with chromatin proteins.
Funding
This four-year studentship is funded by Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute and includes full funding for University fees and an index-linked stipend starting at £22,500 for four years.
Eligibility
We welcome applications from both UK and overseas students. Applications are invited from recent graduates or final-year undergraduates who hold or expect to gain a First/Upper Second Class degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject from any recognised university worldwide. Applicants with relevant research experience gained through Master's study or work in a laboratory are strongly encouraged to apply.
How to apply
Please apply via the University Applicant Portal. For further information about the course and to access the Applicant Portal, please refer to the University postgraduate study pages. You should select to commence study in Michaelmas Term (October) 2026. Please quote reference SW47200 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
Deadlines
Closing date for applications: Thursday 13th November 2025. Interviews will take place on Tuesday 25th November 2025.
Contact
For information about the research or the vacancy, please contact Jo Lockhart, Balasubramanian Group Science Administrator, BalasubramanianRecruitment@ch.cam.ac.uk, including 'PhD CI - October 2026' in the subject.
Preferred Skills/knowledge
* Motivated, capable of independent thought with excellent communication skills and ability to work collaboratively.
* Strong background in molecular biology and/or biochemistry is desirable.
* Good knowledge of genomics and the chemistry/chemical biology of nucleic acids is highly desirable.
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