Overview
Applications are invited for a 4-year PhD studentship based in the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute and the AstraZeneca Discovery Centre at Cambridge. The student will work on a collaborative project entitled: "Defining and targeting immune-regulatory metabolic niches during benign-to-malignant transformation of pancreatic cancer" jointly supervised by Dr Tim Halim (primary academic supervisor) at the CRUK Cambridge Institute, Dr Albert Koulman at the Institute of Metabolic Science, and Dr Gregory Hamm at AstraZeneca, with the opportunity to work across the three sites.
For further information about the research groups, please visit the CRUK Cambridge Institute website and the Institute of Metabolic Science staff pages linked in the description.
This is a unique opportunity to start a research career in an environment committed to training outstanding cancer research scientists of the future, with strengths in genomics, computational biology, and imaging. The Institute aims to translate fundamental cancer biology into clinical benefit and to expand use of AI to generate new research hypotheses. The CRUK CI Core Facilities provide access to state-of-the-art equipment, in-house expertise, and training.
Project details
The tumour immunity cycle involves cyclical trafficking of T cell subsets between the tumour and lymphoid organs. While current immunotherapy has focused on re-energizing exhausted T cells, many checkpoint drugs act on specific subsets of \'stem-like\' T cells that are present in the lymph nodes or at the tumour site. Underpinning T cell function is their ability to traffic between anatomical sites; however, less is known about trafficking and interactions within the tumour microenvironment.
Our collaborations with AstraZeneca have yielded data showing metabolites involved in the migration and positioning of regulatory (Tregs) and \'stem-like\' CD8 T cells in the tumour microenvironment via a recently discovered chemokine receptor. This co-localisation can lead to Tregs suppressing anti-cancer immunity and impeding the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors. It remains unknown how these spatial metabolic-immunologic changes occur during pancreatic cancer evolution, and whether they can be exploited for biomarker discovery or therapeutic intervention in PDAC.
The project will extend this collaboration, using cutting-edge mouse models and immunology expertise (CRUK CI), access to matched patient material (fresh-frozen PDAC and serum samples), AstraZeneca expertise in spatial and circulatory metabolomics, and imaging mass cytometry. The project will test the effect of AZ clinical compounds on the immune-metabolic landscape of PanIN-to-PDAC models. Dr Koulman will provide training and support with metabolomic and lipidomic analysis.
Preferred Skills/knowledge
We are looking for a candidate with excellent laboratory skills and a strong background in immunology, molecular biology, computational biology, and image analysis. The successful candidate is expected to have excellent communication, organisational and time-management skills, creative and rational problem solving abilities, and the motivation to drive an independent research project.
Student support and training
As a graduate student at Cambridge, you will have access to a wide range of training opportunities and receive close supervision from a primary and secondary PhD supervisor, plus a personal mentor. Students are encouraged to attend lectures and training courses across the Institute and wider University. All students are expected to attend internal and external seminars and will be encouraged to attend and present at the annual AstraZeneca students symposium.
Funding
This AstraZeneca-Funded Non-Clinical PhD Studentship covers an index-linked student stipend for 4 years, tuition fees (at Home rate only), and an allocation towards project consumables and training. The successful student will join a Cambridge-AstraZeneca cohort and spend time at both institutions, with joint training and social events.
Eligibility
Applications are invited from recent graduates or final-year undergraduates who hold or expect to gain a First/Upper Second Class degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject from any recognised university worldwide. Applicants with relevant research experience are strongly encouraged. The positions are open to UK citizens or overseas students who meet UK residency requirements (Home fees) or can secure funding to cover extra costs. Students will not be allowed to self-fund fees.
Full details of entrance requirements and scholarships are available on the University postgraduate pages.
How to apply
Please apply via the University Applicant Portal. For further information about the course and to access the Applicant Portal, visit the following:
https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/cvcrpdmsc
You should select to commence study in October 2026.
Additional information required for online applications includes:
- Choice of project and supervisor: name the project (with reference code) and supervisor; you may apply for up to three projects.
- Course-specific questions: details of your Research Experience (up to 2,500 characters) and your Statement of Interest (up to 2,500 characters).
Supporting documents
- Academic transcripts
- Evidence of competence in English (if appropriate)
- Details of two academic referees
- CV/resume
Deadline
The closing date for applications is 17 October 2025, with interviews expected the week of 5 January 2026.
The University’s Applicant Data policies apply; for details see the University HR pages linked in the original description.
