PhD Studentship in AZ Funded Non Clinical PhD Studentship (Fixed Term) - A reproducible human lung organoid platform for large scale oncology CRISPR screens

Applications are invited for 4-year PhD studentship based in the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience(PDN)/Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge and the new AstraZeneca Discovery Centre at Cambridge. The student will be working on a collaborative project jointly supervised by Prof Rawlins in PDN/Gurdon and Dr Luigi Aloia at AstraZeneca.

The project, entitled 'A reproducible human lung organoid platform for large scale oncology CRISPR screens' is in the field of human organoid/cancer biology.

Project abstract: Lung cancer is heterogeneous. Variability between-patients, -tumours and within-tumours all affect drug efficacy and resistance. To identify and validate oncology drug targets we need human-relevant models capturing patient heterogeneity. Human lung organoids show promise for modelling the tumour micro-environment. However, cancer organoids do not grow reliably. We will distinguish between real-life heterogeneity which affects disease progression and technical artefact. We hypothesize that effects of cancer driver mutations are conserved across different genetic backgrounds (i.e. organoid variability represents real-life cancer heterogeneity) and will test this using genetic engineering to develop human lung adenocarcinoma from multiple normal biological donors. This will result in the development of tractable cellular models to study lung cancer development and progression and determine key mechanisms driving it in a reproducible and scalable fashion.

We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual capable of thinking and working independently. This position offers the unique opportunity to engage with a multidisciplinary team, including statisticians and bioinformaticians from AstraZeneca, to enhance the impact of our research and grow the digital skills of the candidate. For more details of eligibility and entrance requirements, please see the advert https://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/48526/.

Full funding covering Maintenance fees at £21,500 per annum and the University Composition Fee is provided for the studentship, with effect from 1 October 2025.

To apply please visit: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/blpdpdpdn and click 'Apply Now' selecting the following course:

- PhD in Physiology, Development & Neuroscience (Full-time)

- Start Date: 1st October 2025

- Project Supervisor: Emma Rawlins

- Project Title: AZ funded non-clinical PhD Studentship (Fixed Term) in 'Human lung organoid platform for oncology'

- Research Proposal: Please add the project abstract listed above

Applications should include:

- Two academic references

- Transcript

- CV

- Evidence of competence in English

- Statement of Interest outlining your suitability, why you are interested in a PhD in this area, your background and research interests.

- School of Biological Sciences - Widening Participation Questionnaire (applicants are asked to complete an additional form to provide contextual information about their previous study.

For queries related to the PhD studentship, please contact Prof Emma Rawlins: elr21@cam.ac.uk.

Completed applications (with ALL supporting documentation and references) to be submitted via the portal by 23:59pm (midnight) UK time on Mon 11th November 2024 at the latest.

As a graduate student at Cambridge, you will have access to a wide range of training opportunities and benefit from close supervision provided by a primary and secondary PhD supervisor, as well as a personal mentor. Additionally, this studentship will involve regular interactions with mentors at AZ, and periods of working at AZ.

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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