Overview
PhD studentship: Dissecting malignant cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic drivers of pancreatic cancer metastasis. Supervisors: Professor Richard Gilbertson and Dr Giulia Biffi. Department/location: Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute.
This is a four-year PhD studentship funded to cover University fees and a stipend. The project will be carried out in the Biffi lab with Professor Gilbertson as Principal Supervisor. The institute focuses on genomics, computational biology, imaging, and expanding the use of AI to generate research hypotheses and explore cancer biology.
For more information about the lab and the institute, please visit the lab website and the CRUK Cambridge Institute pages.
Project details
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have been shown to promote pancreatic cancer progression. The project will investigate how different CAF populations interact with malignant cells in pancreatic primary tumours and metastases to design combinatorial therapeutic approaches. Techniques may include organoid-derived transplantation mouse models, genetically engineered mouse models for CAF depletion, in vitro 3D co-culture models, CRISPR-based technologies, bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing, flow cytometry, multiplex immunofluorescence, and standard molecular biology methods. A computational component may be available depending on the student’s skills and preferences.
References/further reading (examples):
* Mucciolo et al., EGFR-activated myofibroblasts promote metastasis of pancreatic cancer. Cancer Cell (2024).
* Cheng et al., Functional heterogeneity of fibroblasts in primary tumors and metastases. Trends in Cancer (2024).
* Biffi and Tuveson, Diversity and Biology of Cancer-associated Fibroblasts. Physiol Rev (2021).
* Biffi et al., IL1-Induced JAK/STAT Signaling is antagonized by TGFbeta to shape CAF heterogeneity in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Cancer Discov (2019).
Responsibilities
* Conduct experimental work centered on pancreatic cancer biology, focusing on CAF populations and interactions with malignant cells.
* Apply across wet-lab settings (tissue culture, molecular biology, genomics, and in vivo models) and, where appropriate, computational analyses.
* Collaborate with lab members and supervisors to design, execute, and interpret experiments; contribute to project planning and writing of publications.
* Prepare progress reports and present findings within the lab and at required project meetings.
Qualifications
* Laboratory experience in tissue culture and molecular biology techniques (e.g., RNA/protein analyses).
* Experience with mouse work, organoids, CRISPR, flow cytometry, and computational skills is highly desirable.
* Working with laboratory mice throughout the PhD is an essential requirement.
Funding and eligibility
This four-year studentship includes full funding for University fees and an index-linked stipend starting at £22,500 per year for four years. Applicants may also apply for other scholarships during the application process. We welcome applications from both UK and overseas students. Suitable candidates will hold or expect to gain a First or Upper Second Class degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject. Prior research experience (e.g., Master’s study or laboratory work) is strongly encouraged.
How to apply
Apply via the University Applicant Portal. For more information about the course and to access the Applicant Portal, visit the Cambridge postgraduate study page. You should choose to commence study in October 2026.
Deadline
Closing date for applications: 17 October 2025. Interviews are expected to take place in the week of 5 January 2026. Please quote reference SW47202 in your application and any correspondence about this vacancy.
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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