PhD Studentship: Understanding and Targeting Cell Cycle Control in Cancer

PhD Studentship

Genome Damage and Stability
University of Sussex

Funding for: UK Students

Funding amount: Home (UK) tuition fees and stipend at standard UKRI rates.

A PhD studentship (3.5 years) is available from October 2025 under the supervision of Prof. Helfrid Hochegger and Dr. Tony Oliver, at the Genome Damage and Stability Centre, School of Life Sciences.

Deadline: 06^th of June 2025

PROJECT TITLE: Understanding and Targeting Cell Cycle Control in Cancer

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT:

Cells must duplicate their DNA, grow, and repair DNA damage before committing to mitosis — a critical decision point that is often deregulated in cancer. We are investigating the regulatory proteins that govern this switch, with the goal of identifying new therapeutic targets.

This interdisciplinary project combines structural and biophysical analysis with in vivo studies, including the generation of targeted mutants using state-of-the-art genome editing and advanced quantitative light microscopy. Students will have the opportunity to work at the interface of structural biology, cell biology, and cancer research.

You will be co-supervised by leading experts in both structural and cell-biology, joining a productive and well-funded laboratory. This project offers broad training in cutting-edge techniques and the opportunity to contribute to fundamental discoveries with translational potential.

Informal enquiries about the project are welcome and can be made to: Prof. Helfrid Hochegger (hh65@sussex.ac.uk) or Dr. Antony Oliver (Antony.Oliver@sussex.ac.uk)

How to apply:

Please submit a formal application using the online admissions portal attaching a CV, degree transcripts and certificates, and two academic referees. A research proposal is not required. Instead, please upload a personal statement describing your subject areas of interest, skills and previous experience, motivation for Doctoral Research, future goals, and why you are applying to this project.

On the application system select Programme of Study – PhD Biology. Please select ‘funding obtained’ and state the supervisor’s name where required. Applicants with overseas fee status need to provide evidence showing how they will fund the difference between Home and International tuition fees (approx. £18k per year).

Ideal candidates will….

Candidates should have or expect to obtain a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree. An MSc degree will be advantageous. Your qualification should be in Biochemistry or a related subject area. You may also be considered for the position if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.

Candidates for whom English is not their first language will require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall or equivalent proficiency - English language requirements

Applications are particularly welcomed from candidates with protected characteristics – e.g., from Black and other ethnic minorities – who are under-represented in postgraduate research at our institution.

For enquiries about the application process, please email Emma Chorley: lifesci-rec@sussex.ac.uk

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