Black Leaders in Cancer MRes + PhD Studentships

Cancer Research UK (CRUK) () programme "Black leaders in Cancer PhD scholarship" () provide students from Black heritage backgrounds a possibility of pursuing a PhD in cancer-related fields.

This programme has been developed in consultation with the research community and in close collaboration with CRUK's expert partners, Black in Cancer () and the Windsor Fellowship ().

The scheme is open to applicants who self-identify as being from a Black heritage background, including a mixed background, for example: Black African, Black Caribbean, Black Other, Mixed background (to include Black African, Black Caribbean or other Black backgrounds).

A student on this scheme will receive comprehensive programme of mentoring, career support, leadership training and networking led by the Windsor Fellowship and Black in Cancer, in addition to the support provided by the CRUK Centres.

Two students will be recruited to the CRUK Cambridge Centre () to be part of the existing fully funded MRes+PhD programme.

The CRUK Cambridge Centre is a dynamic collaboration of academic researchers, clinicians, and the pharmaceutical and biotech industries based in the Cambridge area. By being part of the Centre, students will have the opportunity to attend a number of lecture series, workshops and meetings aimed at facilitating and strengthening collaborations between complimentary disciplines and across different departments and institutes.

The first year MRes degree comprises two research rotations, a weekly 'Lectures in Cancer Biology & Medicine' series, together with a week of intensive teaching in genomic medicine, and a one- to two-week placement in a patient-facing setting. This placement will enable insight into the rewards and challenges of cancer research and development of diagnostics and treatments. Project write-ups, oral presentations and development of a PhD proposal are also integral to the programme. Successful completion of the one-year MRes programme will lead on to a fully-funded three-year PhD, usually in one of the rotation project host laboratories, which will allow in-depth study of a particular area of cancer biology.

Funding: The CRUK Cambridge Centre MRes + PhD studentships include full funding from CRUK to cover the University Composition Fee (at home-fee rate), a travel and consumables budget, and a stipend, which is currently £21,000 per annum. Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 4 years.

Research project offered for intake October 2025 and more information is available here - .

The closing date for receipt of applications is 19 November 2024.

Short-listed applicants will be invited to interview week commencing 6 January 2025. You will be interviewed by a panel of Principal Investigators from the CRUK Cambridge Centre.

Informal enquiries can be sent to

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.