Overview
CRUK CI PhD Studentship: Delineating small RNA-mediated chromatin silencing. 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. 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.
Project title
Delineating small RNA-mediated chromatin silencing
Supervisors
Professor Greg Hannon and Dr Ben Nicholson
Research group / Location
CRUK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge. The project is embedded within the piRNA team studying RNA, chromatin and transposon biology, including biogenesis of small non-coding RNAs and dynamics of chromatin modifications required for transposon silencing.
Project details
This project aims to advance understanding of small RNA-mediated chromatin silencing using advanced genomics and chromatin profiling methods, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated cell line engineering, and various animal models. Activities include studying the effects of activation or depletion of chromatin-modifying enzymes using transcriptomics and histone mark profiling, and live imaging approaches. You will have opportunities to gain computational data analysis skills and to explore novel techniques for spatial profiling of chromatin marks and RNA output applied to RNA-guided chromatin silencing questions.
References / further reading
* Czech B, et al. (2018). piRNA-Guided Genome Defense: From Biogenesis to Silencing. Annual Review of Genetics.
* Van Lopik J, et al. (2023). Unistrand piRNA clusters are an evolutionarily conserved mechanism to suppress endogenous retroviruses across the Drosophila genus. Nature Communications.
* Alizada A, et al. (2024). Transcriptional regulation of the piRNA pathway by Ovo in animal ovarian germ cells. Genes & Development.
* Alizada A, et al. (2025). The transcription factor Traffic jam orchestrates the somatic piRNA pathway in Drosophila ovaries. Cell Reports.
* Akkouche A, et al. (2025). A dual histone code specifies the binding of heterochromatin protein Rhino to a subset of piRNA source loci. Nature Structural and Molecular Biology.
Preferred skills / knowledge
We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic and capable student with excellent laboratory skills, a strong background in molecular biology and/or biochemistry, and a keen interest in chromatin research. Practical research experience (ideally more than 6 months) and an eagerness to discover fundamental biology are essential. Familiarity with tissue culture, genome editing, or live-imaging approaches would be desirable. The successful candidate is expected to have excellent communication skills, good record keeping, organisational and time-management abilities, an inquisitive mind, and motivation to drive an independent research project.
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, visit the following link and select October 2026 as the start date:
https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/cvcrpdmsc
Deadline details: The closing date for applications is 17th October 2025 with interviews expected to take place in the week beginning 5th January 2026.
Application requirements
* Choice of project and supervisor: name the project (with reference code) and supervisor where indicated. You may apply for up to three projects.
* Course-specific questions: details of Research Experience (up to 2,500 characters) and Statement of Interest (up to 2,500 characters).
* Supporting documents: Academic transcripts, Evidence of English competence (if appropriate), Details of two academic referees, CV/resume.
Additional information
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. For information about how your personal data is used as an applicant, please see the Applicant Data section on the University HR pages.
Important
Please quote reference SW47206 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
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