PhD Studentship in Systems Pathology of the Breast Tumour Microenvironment in Obesity

Overview

Dr. Raza Ali and Prof James Brenton wish to recruit a student to work on the project entitled: Systems pathology of the breast tumour microenvironment in obesity.

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.

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

Project details

Being overweight is a known risk factor for developing breast cancer, and obese patients experience poorer outcomes. But the biological basis of these associations remains poorly understood. Past efforts have investigated the link between obesity and the primary tumour, but these analyses relied on data derived from bulk tissue samples lacking cellular and spatial resolution. The hypothesis underpinning this project is that obesity alters the cellular content, activation state and, critically, the spatial architecture of the tumour microenvironment in breast cancer. To test this idea, we must characterise thousands of tumours with single-cell and spatial resolution, associated with data on patient height and weight. Using our expertise in single-cell spatial analysis and collaborations with leading epidemiologists, we have collated unique data resources that will enable us to characterise the link between obesity and the breast tumour microenvironment at unprecedented resolution. Moreover, we will also explore the role of exercise in modifying the microenvironment of normal breast tissue in an exercise trial. We will, in addition, investigate how the ovarian tumour microenvironment is altered in obese patients in a comparable large epidemiological study. This is a remarkable opportunity for a motivated scientist to unpick the impact of host factors on tumour structure. This project will be supervised by Dr Raza Ali and Prof James Brenton.

To lead this research as a doctoral student you will be passionate about using large-scale data to address important questions in cancer research, have strong experience of quantitative analyses, and be a positive contributor to our focussed team. Individuals with experience of epidemiology are especially encouraged to apply.

Funding

This four-year studentship is funded by Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute and includes full funding for University fees and, in addition, an index-linked stipend starting at £22,500.

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:

www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/cvcrpdmsc

You should select to commence study in October 2026.

Deadline

The closing date for applications is 5th December 2025 with interviews expected to take place in the week beginning 5th January 2025.

Please quote reference SW47893 on your application and in 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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