Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute PhD Studentship 2027: Research Skin Cancer, Ageing and Immune Failure

Overview

The Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute is offering a PhD studentship titled Aged Immune Failure and Reversal for the October 2027 intake. Based in Manchester, United Kingdom, the research project investigates how ageing impacts lipid environments, immune function, and cancer progression, with a specific focus on melanoma and antitumour immunity.

The studentship takes place within the Skin Cancer and Ageing research group, led by Professor Amaya Virós, with co-supervision from Dr Jonathan Worboys. The research involves mapping lipid composition changes across tissues, examining T-cell activation, and testing in vivo approaches to modify lipid composition to restore immune competence.

Who can apply

Applications are open to academically strong candidates who hold, or expect to graduate with, a First-Class or minimum Upper Second-Class undergraduate honours degree, or an equivalent qualification from a non-UK university, in a relevant subject. Candidates are required to demonstrate an interest in cancer biology, immunology, ageing, lipid research, or related scientific disciplines.

Master's-level study and prior laboratory research experience in cancer are considered advantageous, though laboratory research experience is not a strict conditional requirement to apply. International applicants must ensure their credentials meet the institute's equivalency requirements.

How to apply

Interested candidates must apply online through the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute official PhD Student Recruitment portal by locating the Aged Immune Failure and Reversal PhD opportunity and following the instructions. Applicants must also submit an equality, diversity, and inclusion monitoring form as part of the process, which is kept separate from the selection process.

Key dates

The application deadline is 6 November 2026 at 5:00 PM GMT. The intake for the studentship is in October 2027.