PhD Studentship: Molecular Drivers of Enhancer Rewiring in Blood Cancers

This fully funded PhD studentship at the University of Birmingham focuses on uncovering the molecular mechanisms behind enhancer rewiring in multiple myeloma, a devastating blood cancer. Under the supervision of Dr. Tianyi Zhang and Professors Guy Pratt and Sarah Dimeloe, the successful candidate will investigate how transcription factors and chromatin-modifying complexes regulate gene expression networks in myeloma. The project combines genomics, proteomics, and molecular biology to identify altered gene regulatory networks and dissect key interactions in both cell and primary patient models. The research is embedded in a broader programme supported by the Wellcome Trust, offering interdisciplinary training and collaboration opportunities in cancer biology, immunology, and immunotherapy.

• Investigate molecular mechanisms of enhancer rewiring in multiple myeloma using advanced genomics and proteomics techniques.
• Identify altered gene regulatory networks in myeloma cells and primary patient models.
• Map key transcription factor-coactivator interactions and analyze their functional dependencies.
• Conduct experiments involving ChIP-seq, RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, and other high-throughput sequencing methods.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary research teams to integrate findings in genome biology, immunology, and cancer biology.
• Present research findings at conferences and publish results in peer-reviewed journals.
• Contribute to broader research programmes on epigenetic and genome regulation supported by the Wellcome Trust.