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Phd Studentship- Molecular mechanisms driving cancer initiation after tissue injury

UCL Eastman Dental Institute
Greater London
3 weeks ago
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About the role

Project Overview


Cell plasticity is a hallmark of cancer progression, enabling cells to evade therapy and adapt to hostile environments. One key form of plasticity—dedifferentiation—occurs when specialised cells revert to a stem-like state, a process that can be triggered by epithelial injury. While this is transient during normal wound healing, it can persist in cancer, suggesting a link between tissue injury and tumour initiation.


This PhD project will explore how wound healing programmes contribute to cancer initiation, focusing on the molecular mechanisms of dedifferentiation. Building on recent findings that Myc-dependent mechanotransduction promotes dedifferentiation (Bernabé-Rubio et al., ), the student will use in vitro and murine models, combining lineage tracing and multi-omic approaches to uncover how wound-experienced cells become vulnerable to malignant transformation. The model system will be cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, the second most common epithelial cancer.


Research Environment


The student will join the Cancer Cell Plasticity Group, led by Dr Miguel Bernabé-Rubio, and be co-supervised by Prof Clare Bennett, a leading expert in skin immunology. The UCL Cancer Institute offers a vibrant, collaborative research environment with access to cutting-edge facilities in genomics, proteomics, imaging, pathology, and transgenesis.


More about the Institute: About you

Candidate Profile


Essential:

First-class Honours degree in molecular biology, cell biology, immunology, or related field.


Experience with cell culture and animal models.
Strong motivation and understanding of cancer biology.
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Desirable:

Peer-reviewed publications.


Bioinformatics experience.

Applicants must qualify for criteria:

Fee Status Info


Admissions Requirements

Key Dates

Application Deadline: 21 November


Shortlisting: Week commencing 24 November
Interviews: Week commencing 8 December
Start Date: 1st Feb

How to Apply


Submit the following by 21 November using the apply button.

CV including: Contact details of two referees (one academic).


A short statement (< words) explaining how your experience aligns with the project and person specification. Academic transcripts and certificates (PDF format). Include official English translations if applicable.

References:
Ask your referees to email their letters directly to by the deadline. Subject line must include the studentship title and your surname.


For questions about the project, contact Dr Miguel Bernabé-Rubio:


For application queries, contact:

What we offer

This is a full time fully funded 4-year PhD studentship funded by Cancer Research UK, successful candidates will receive a non-taxable annual stipend of £24, covering tuition fees at the Home rate.

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