PhD Studentship: A Hostile Niche: How Mutant Blood Stem Cells Damage Their Healthy Neighbours

Overview

This doctoral research opportunity investigates how mutated blood stem cells actively reshape the surrounding bone marrow environment, causing functional changes and potentially accelerated ageing in healthy neighbour cells. The position is based in the Mistry and Rushworth Lab at the Norwich Medical School within the University of East Anglia, alongside collaborators at the Earlham Institute and the wider Norwich Research Park.

Who can apply

Applicants should possess a background in molecular biology, cell biology, immunology, genetics, or a related bioscience discipline, alongside a specific interest in stem cell biology or ageing.

What you get

The successful candidate receives a four-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership PhD studentship. This financial support covers the direct payment of university tuition fees, an annual stipend of £21,805 for living expenses based on the 2026/27 rate, and an annual Research Training Support Grant of £5,000 for each year of the studentship.

Requirements

The project requires the candidate to work on site and commit to a full-time, fixed-term contract. The role provides training to develop a broad skillset encompassing flow cytometry across the blood hierarchy, tissue culture, in-vivo modelling, gene expression profiling through RNA sequencing, and metabolic assays.

Key dates

The closing date for applications is 23:59 on 30 November 2026.