PhD studentship: Mapping cellular trajectories in the senescence spectrum

Supervisor: Professor Masashi Narita

Deadline for application: 31st October 2024

Course start date: 1st October 2025

Overview

Professor Masashi Narita wishes to recruit a student to work on the project entitled: “Mapping cellular trajectories in the senescence spectrum”.

For further information about the research group, including their most recent publications, please visit their website at https://www.naritalab.com/

This is a unique opportunity for PhD study in the world-leading Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute (CRUK CI), to start a research career in an environment committed to training outstanding cancer research scientists of the future.

The Institute’s particular strengths are in genomics, computational biology and imaging; and significant research effort is currently devoted to cancers arising in the breast, pancreas, brain, and colon. Our Core Facilities provide researchers with access to state-of-the-art equipment, in-house expertise and training. Scientists at CRUK CI aim to understand the fundamental biology of cancer and translate these findings into the clinic to benefit patients.

There are around 100 postgraduate students at the Cambridge Institute, who play a vital and pivotal role in its continuing success. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive working environment that fosters intellectual curiosity and scientific excellence.

If you are interested in finding out more about our groundbreaking scientific research, please visit our website at https://www.cruk.cam.ac.uk/

Project details

Senescence can be triggered by various stimuli across diverse cellular contexts. We are particularly interested in oncogene-induced senescence (OIS), which occurs in the physiological diploid state as an early event in tumour initiation. OIS functions autonomously as a tumour suppressor mechanism, though it is conceptually distinct from tumour-initiating cells (TIC). Our recent study suggests that senescence is not a singular entity but rather a continuum of dynamic cellular functionality and plasticity, forming what we term the ‘senescence spectrum.’

Our aim is to gain mechanistic and functional insights into the decision-making process between senescence and tumour initiation within this spectrum. To address this, we will utilise single-cell biology and epigenomic approaches in close collaboration with computational biologists.

Further reading

Chan, Zhu et al. Nature 2024: doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07797-z
Olan, Ando-Kuri, Parry et al. Nat Commun 2024: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-51153-8

Preferred skills/knowledge

Experience in epigenetic mapping and computational data analysis is advantageous but not essential.

Funding

This four-year studentship is funded by Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute and includes full funding for University fees and, in addition, a stipend currently of £21,000 per annum 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 while working 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:
https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/cvcrpdmsc
You should select to commence study in Michaelmas Term 2025 (October 2025).

Additional information

To complete your online application, you will need to answer/provide the following:

– Choice of project and supervisor

Please ensure that you name the project (with reference code) and supervisor, where indicated. You are permitted to apply for up to three projects.

– Course-specific questions

– Supporting documents

Applicants will be asked to provide:

Deadline

The closing date for applications is 31st October 2024 with interviews expected to take place in January 2025.

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.