Overview
AstraZeneca-Funded Non-Clinical PhD Studentship: Deciphering cellular determinants of sensitivity to high-LET radiation to inform combination strategies with next-generation Targeted Alpha Therapies at Cambridge Service Alliance (Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute and the AstraZeneca Discovery Centre).
Supervisors
Professor Sir Steve Jackson and Dr Mark O'Connor (AZ Partner).
Department/Location
Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute (CRUK CI) and the AstraZeneca Discovery Centre.
Deadlines and Dates
Deadline for application: 17 October 2025. Course start date: 1 October 2026.
Project Details
Targeted Alpha Therapy (TAT) selectively delivers high Linear Energy Transfer (LET) alpha-particles to cancer cells, maximising efficacy while minimising toxicity. The project will explore determinants of sensitivity to high-LET radiation (e.g., alpha particles) and how radioligand therapies affect cell viability and DNA-damage response (DDR) activation in established human cell models. The student will perform CRISPR screens to identify factors affecting resistance/sensitivity and conduct mechanistic studies on shortlisted targets to uncover cellular response mechanisms, potential biomarkers and therapeutic vulnerabilities relevant to alpha radiotherapy.
References
* Awwad, S.W., Serrano-Benitez, A., Thomas, J.C., Gupta, V., and Jackson, S.P. Nurturing a revolution in DNA repair and cancer therapy through CRISPR screens. Nature Reviews Molecular and Cell Biology 2023. 24, 477-494.
* Awwad, S.W., Doyle, C., Coulthard, J., Bader, A.S., Gueorguieva, N., Lam, S., Gupta, V., Belotserkovskaya, R., Tran, T-A., Balasubramanian, S., Jackson, S.P. KLF5 loss sensitizes cells to ATR inhibition and is synthetic lethal with ARID1A deficiency. Nature Communications 2025. 16(1):480.
* Yard, B.D., et al., Cellular and Genetic Determinants of the Sensitivity of Cancer to alpha-Particle Irradiation. Cancer Res, 2019. 79(21): p. 5640-5651.
* Guerra Liberal, F.D.C., et al. High-LET radiation induces large amounts of rapidly-repaired sublethal damage. Scientific Reports 2023. 13, 11198.
* Redmond et al., A potential biomarker of radiosensitivity in metastatic hormone sensitive prostate cancer patients treated with combination external beam radiotherapy and radium-223. Radiotherapy and Oncology 2024. 191, 110063.
Preferred Skills/Knowledge
Excellent laboratory skills with a strong background in biochemistry, molecular biology and genomics.
Funding
Funding includes a stipend for four years, tuition fees (at Home rate only) and an allocation towards project consumables and training.
Eligibility
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. Applicants with relevant research experience are strongly encouraged to apply. The position is open to UK citizens, or overseas students meeting the UK residency requirements, or able to cover the difference in international fees through additional funding awards.
How to Apply
Please apply via the University Applicant Portal. For further information about the course and to access the Applicant Portal, visit:
https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/cvcrpdmsc
You should select to commence study in October 2026.
Application Deadline
Closing date for applications is 17 October 2025 with interviews expected to take place in the week beginning 5 January 2026. Please quote reference SW47205 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
Equal Opportunity
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.
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