PhD Studentship - Molecular mechanisms driving cancer initiation after tissue injury
Company: University College London
Location: North West London, London, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 2025-11-14T08:29:02Z
Valid Through: 2026-02-12T08:29:02Z
Employment Type: FULL_TIME
Salary: 24219-24219 GBP per YEAR
Description
About us
We are a young, collaborative, and ambitious group, seeking a highly motivated PhD student with a passion for cancer biology and the drive to pursue impactful, cutting‑edge research.
More detailed information about the research project is available on request.
About the role
Project Overview
Cell plasticity is a hallmark of cancer progression, enabling cells to evade therapy and adapt to hostile environments. One key form of plasticity – dedifferentiation – occurs when specialised cells revert to a stem‑like state, a process that can be triggered by epithelial injury. While this is transient during normal wound healing, it can persist in cancer, suggesting a link between tissue injury and tumour initiation.
This PhD project will explore how wound healing programmes contribute to cancer initiation, focusing on the molecular mechanisms of dedifferentiation. Building on recent findings that Myc‑dependent mechanotransduction promotes dedifferentiation (Bernabé‑Rubio et al., 2023), the student will use in vitro and murine models, combining lineage tracing and multi‑omic approaches to uncover how wound‑experienced cells become vulnerable to malignant transformation. The model system will be cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, the second most common epithelial cancer.
Research Environment
The student will join the Cancer Cell Plasticity Group, led by Dr Miguel Bernabé‑Rubio, and be co‑supervised by Prof Clare Bennett, a leading expert in skin immunology. The UCL Cancer Institute offers a vibrant, collaborative research environment with access to cutting‑edge facilities in genomics, proteomics, imaging, pathology, and transgenesis.
Candidate Profile
Essential:
* First‑class Honours degree in molecular biology, cell biology, immunology, or a related field.
* Experience with cell culture and animal models.
* Strong motivation and understanding of cancer biology.
* Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
* Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Desirable:
* Peer‑reviewed publications.
* Bioinformatics experience.
Applicants must qualify for and meet criteria.
Key Dates
* Application Deadline: 21 November 2025
* Shortlisting: Week commencing 24 November 2025
* Interviews: Week commencing 8 December 2025
* Start Date: 1st Feb 2026
How to Apply
Submit the following by 21 November 2025 using the apply button:
* CV including:
* Contact details of two referees (one academic).
* A short statement.
* Academic transcripts and certificates (PDF format). Include official English translations if applicable.
References: Ask your referees to email their letters directly to ci.hr-office@ucl.ac.uk by the deadline. Subject line must include the studentship title and your surname.
For questions about the project, contact Dr Miguel Bernabé‑Rubio.
For application queries, contact: ci.hr-office@ucl.ac.uk
What we offer
This is a full‑time, fully funded four‑year PhD studentship funded by Cancer Research UK. Successful candidates will receive a non‑taxable annual stipend of £24,219 covering tuition fees at the Home rate.
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be under‑represented in UCL's workforce – people from Black, Asian, and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.
Our department holds an Athena SWAN Gold award, in recognition of our commitment and demonstrable impact in advancing gender equality.
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