PhD Studentship in Cancer Genetics: Modelling telomere-erosion and ageing as a biomarker for cancer outcome

Project title: Modelling telomere-erosion and ageing as a biomarker for cancer outcome

Department/School: Biological Sciences

Supervisors: Dr William Cross

Project Overview:

This PhD opportunity is highly suitable for a student looking to build a career in cancer research or develop transferable experience suitable for the healthcare tech industry. The PhD is funded by the Academy of Medical Sciences, and it comes with a competitive stipend, all fees covered, an excellent training package, as well as access to a community of like-minded researchers.

This exciting pan-cancer project is focused on the analysis of over 13,000 cancer genomes and the discovery of novel biomarkers for patient outcome (mortality or survival). Working with Dr Will Cross at the School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, the student will write code and create publishable mathematical models that describe the relationship of telomere ageing and cancer severity. This PhD involves large-scale bioinformatics, hence an MSc in Bioinformatics, applied mathematics, or computer science, (or equivalent) is essential.

The candidate also requires a willingness to learn some cancer genetics and to work within online workspaces, computer clouds, and computational clusters. They will also need to work on-site at the University of Reading and attend weekly meetings with Dr Cross. Presentation at annual research meetings, school seminars, and international conferences is mandatory, and funding is included for travel and science communication.

Interviews are expected to be held in-person at the University in mid-August 2026.

Email enquiries are recommended prior to application (w.c.cross@reading.ac.uk )

Eligibility: 

• Applicants require a 2:1 bachelor’s degree in a subject with a strong computational or mathematical component, such as Bioinformatics, or Applied Mathematics. They also require an MSc in Bioinformatics, Applied Mathematics, or a related computational subject (or equivalent)
• Due to the nature of the funding this studentship is open to UK/Republic of Ireland applicants only.

Funding Details:

• Starts 12^th October 2026
• 3-year award
• Funding covers Home tuition fees plus UKRI stipend (£21,805 for 2026/27).

How to apply:

To apply click Apply for a Programme and create your account, and use the link sent by email to start the application process.

During the application process please select the PhD in Biomedical Sciences.

*Important notes*

1. Please quote the reference ‘DRC26-037’ in the ‘Scholarships applied for’ box which appears within the Funding Section of your on-line application.
2. If the application system prompts you to submit a research proposal, please paste in the project title and move on to the next step in the application.
3. Please upload a CV and a one page covering letter with your application

Application Deadline: 5pm Friday July 17^th, 2026

Further Enquiries:

For further details please contact the PhD Supervisor: Dr William Cross w.c.cross@reading.ac.uk

Please note that, where a candidate is successful in being awarded funding, this will be confirmed via a formal studentship award letter; this will be provided separately from any Offer of Admission and will be subject to standard checks for eligibility and other criteria. 

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