PhD Studentship - CRUK Glioma CoE

The UCL Cancer Institute is a world-leading centre for cancer research at University College London, bringing together over 400 scientists and 150 PhD students dedicated to advancing the understanding and treatment of cancer. As part of the CRUK City of London Centre, the Institute collaborates with leading research organisations including Barts, King's College London, and the Francis Crick Institute to drive innovation in cancer research.

This PhD studentship is funded through the CRUK Glioma Brain Tumour Centre of Excellence, a partnership between UCL and the University of Edinburgh focused on improving outcomes for patients with brain tumours. The Centre combines expertise in cancer biology, immunology, genomics and clinical oncology, providing access to cutting‑edge technologies, patient‑derived samples, and a highly collaborative research environment.

We are seeking a motivated PhD student to undertake an exciting four‑year research project investigating how standard‑of‑care treatment reshapes lipid metabolism within the glioblastoma tumour microenvironment and how these changes contribute to immune dysfunction and tumour recurrence.

Working under the supervision of Professor Tariq Enver and Dr Mara De Martino, you will design and perform laboratory experiments using advanced pre‑clinical and patient‑derived models. The project will involve a range of molecular, cellular and immunological techniques, data analysis, scientific communication, and collaboration with multidisciplinary research teams.

This role offers comprehensive training in cancer biology, immunology, metabolism and advanced experimental methodologies, preparing you for a future career in academic, clinical or translational biomedical research.

Submit the following by 19th July
2026- (using the apply button.)

• CV including:
• Contact details of two referees (one academic).
• A short statement explaining how your experience aligns with the project and person specification.
• Academic transcripts and certificates (PDF format). Include official English translations if applicable.

Please note that UK students start date is October 2026 and International students will be February 2027.

You will hold, or be expected to obtain, a First or Upper Second-Class Honours degree (or equivalent) in biological sciences or a closely related discipline. You will have previous laboratory research experience relevant to molecular, cellular or cancer biology and a strong understanding of experimental design and data interpretation.

You are highly organised, an effective communicator, and able to manage multiple priorities while working both independently and collaboratively. You will demonstrate enthusiasm for scientific research, a commitment to learning new techniques, and a dedication to maintaining high standards of research integrity and laboratory practice.

Experience in areas such as cancer biology, immunology, neuroscience, lipid metabolism, or biological data analysis would be advantageous but is not essential. Most importantly, you will be passionate about advancing scientific understanding and contributing to research that has the potential to improve outcomes for patients with brain tumours.

This is a full time fully funded 4‑year PhD studentship, successful candidates will receive a non‑taxable annual stipend of £24,643 covering tuition fees at Home rate and meet UCL PhD admissions criteria.

As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world's talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.

We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL's workforce.

These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people.

Our division holds an Athena SWAN Gold award, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality.

You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here: