PhD Studentship: Investigating molecular drivers of enhancer rewiring in blood cancers

This is a fully funded 3-year PhD studentship to join the group of Dr Tianyi Zhang in the Department of Cancer and Genomics Sciences to investigate molecular mechanisms of genome regulation in multiple myeloma.

Precise gene regulation is essential for normal development and is frequently subverted disease. Transcription factors (TFs) and chromatin modifying complexes regulate gene expression by shaping the epigenetic landscape on chromatin. Mutations and dysregulation in transcriptional regulators are a hallmark of cancer, where rewiring of enhancer networks impacts cancer proliferation, metastasis, and chemoresistance. Notably, the reversible nature of epigenetic modifications offers a tractable target for therapeutic intervention.

Multiple myeloma is a cancer arising from plasma B cells, antibody-producing cells that play an essential role in the immune response. Multiple myeloma accounts for approximately 10% of all blood cancers, and despite significant advances in treatment, it remains an incurable disease. This project will investigate how B-lineage transcription factors (TFs) and complexes involved in chromatin activation and organisation (such as Mediator, P300/CBP, CTCF etc) control gene regulatory networks in myeloma. The aim of this PhD programme is to 1) identify gene regulatory networks altered in multiple myeloma and 2) Map key TF-coactivator interactions and dissect their functional dependencies in cell and primary patient models.

Jointly supervised by Dr. Tianyi Zhang and Professors Guy Pratt and Sarah Dimeloe who will provide supervision in genome biology, immunology and immunotherapy and cancer biology. We seek a bright and curious individual who is excited to work on this interdisciplinary project. The successful candidate will in turn benefit from considerable experience across a multi-disciplinary team and will be trained in biochemistry, molecular biology, proteomics, genomics (ChIP-seq, RNA-seq, ATAC-seq etc) in cell and primary disease models. This PhD role will also be embedded in a broader research programme on epigenetic and genome regulation supported by Wellcome Trust funding.

Essential criteria

This is a 3-year studentship funded at UK Home Rates. Applicants should have a first-class or upper second-class honours undergraduate degree, a Master’s degree and/or relevant research experience in areas including biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics and bioinformatics. Skills and proven research experience in proteomics and/or genomics datasets is highly desirable. Strong analytical ability, communication skills and enthusiasm for collaborative research is essential.

Application Procedure

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive research community, and welcome applications from talented candidates from all backgrounds regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic background. Please provide a CV with 2 academic referees, and a 1-2 page personal statement detailing your research interests, research experience and skills, motivation for undertaking a PhD. All application documents should be in electronic format and sent to Tianyi Zhang (t.zhang.9@bham.ac.uk).

Funding notes

This 3-year PhD studentship is funded at the UK Home Rate with a starting UKRI Home Tuition Fee of £5151 and a starting stipend of £21805 (tax-free).

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