The Birmingham Cancer Research UK Clinical Academic Training Programme
The Cancer Research UK Clinical Academic Training Programme at the University of Birmingham provides an outstanding opportunity for early career training in a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment. In addition, delivery of high-quality research outputs from these studentships such as high impact publications, novel therapeutic strategies and clinical trial concepts, are strategically important for cancer research at Birmingham.
The core scientific focus is on understanding oncogenesis and tumour immunobiology, providing the scientific basis for novel targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and stratification approaches. This is via three core themes of Immunology, Genomics, and the Tumour Microenvironment and Metabolism.
Deadline: Monday 7th April 2025
Studentships available: Clinical Research Training Fellowship
Funding: Up to £265,000 over 3 years, including fees, laboratory expenses, and salary
Our Immunology theme explores how anti‐tumour immunity is regulated, including the immunobiology of the tumour microenvironment, and how factors such as tumour genetics, oncogenic signalling and microbiota combine to influence it. Linking with these studies, we are characterising novel axes of cancer immunosuppression, identifying new molecular targets, and developing innovative immunotherapeutic strategies.
Our Genomics theme is defining how DNA damage and repair defects influence cancer predisposition, how epigenetic reprogramming drives tumourigenesis, and, aligning with clinical trials on epigenetic modifiers, highlights new therapeutic opportunities. Linking with our clinical infrastructure genomics studies can identify how mutational profiles/epigenetic signatures influence patient outcomes/treatment response, providing novel stratification approaches.
Our Tumour Microenvironment and Metabolism theme engages groups from the Institute of Metabolism and Systems research, with the ultimate goal of harnessing the tumour microenvironment to improve our understanding of prognosis, response to treatment, and catalyse development of novel therapeutic approaches or treatment combinations.
For further information please visit the following page:
Cancer Research UK Clinical PhDs at the University of Birmingham
Please note that Clinical Research Training Fellowships are only open to applicants with a medical degree that are currently undertaking clinical training and are expected to return to clinical training in the UK following completion of the PhD.
Applications / enquiries should be directed to Fayeon Fyfield-Calder, Cancer Project Manager (ecmcbham@contacts.bham.ac.uk).
Informal enquiries can be made of current fellows; please contact Fayeon if you would like to arrange this opportunity.
To apply, fellowship applicants should send:
- A detailed CV
- Names and addresses of two referees, ideally who have supervised your laboratory research, but excluding proposed supervisors for the project
- A personal statement highlighting your research experience/capabilities and your reason for applying
- Copies of your degree certificates with transcripts
- Evidence of your proficiency in the English language, if applicable
- Detailed project proposal, which must have been developed in collaboration with proposed supervisory team. If you have already identified a project/supervisor then please fill in the project proposal form. If not, we will work with successful candidates to identify a project that suits their interests
Deadline: Monday 7th April 2025