Fully-Funded PhD in Single-Cell Spatial Multi-Omics for Cancer Biology
Develop cutting-edge spatial multi-omics tools to decode extrachromosomal DNA-driven cancer mechanisms in a multidisciplinary Cambridge lab.
Best for:Best for interdisciplinary PhD candidates with a background in biophysics, molecular biology, computational science, or bioengineering who are eager to develop spatial multi-omics tools for cancer research.
Overview
This fully-funded PhD position at the University of Cambridge’s Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute offers a unique interdisciplinary opportunity to advance single-cell and spatial multi-omics technologies. Under the supervision of Dr Guiping Wang, the successful candidate will design and apply innovative approaches to link molecular signatures with cancer cell vulnerabilities, with a focus on extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) in aggressive cancers. The project bridges molecular biology, genomics, microscopy, and computational analysis, providing tailored training across all domains. Applicants from diverse backgrounds—including physics, chemistry, bioengineering, or computational sciences—are encouraged to apply, as the lab emphasizes collaborative, strength-based project design. The position is ideal for those passionate about translational cancer research and interdisciplinary method development.
What you'll do
- Develop and apply single-cell and spatial multi-omics approaches to link molecular signatures with cancer cell vulnerabilities.
- Design and build tools that connect molecular mechanisms of gene regulation to cellular phenotypes in cancer cells.
- Conduct experiments to dissect the organization, regulation, and exploitation of extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) in cancer.
- Perform quantitative imaging and computational analysis to analyze multi-omic data.
- Collaborate across disciplines, including molecular biology, genomics, microscopy, and computational science, to shape project priorities.
- Present research findings at conferences and publish results in high-impact journals.
- Contribute to the training and mentorship of junior lab members as part of the interdisciplinary team.
Requirements
Degree required: An undergraduate or Master’s degree in biophysics, biology, physics, chemistry, bioengineering, physical chemistry, biomedical sciences, or a related discipline (or expected to be completed by October 2027).
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English proficiency (assumed for applicants from English-speaking countries or those with relevant qualifications).
Instruction: English
- Familiarity with molecular or cell biology techniques (e.g., mammalian cell culture, nucleic acid work, immunofluorescence staining).
- Experience with fluorescence microscopy or optics/instrument building.
- Exposure to next-generation sequencing (bench or analysis).
- Programming proficiency in Python, R, or MATLAB.
- Experience analyzing image or sequencing data.
- Applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK.
- No explicit age or residency restrictions beyond UK eligibility.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-16
Applicants must apply through the University of Cambridge’s postgraduate portal, selecting the October 2027 start date. References will be requested separately and should be submitted as soon as possible after the application deadline. The University encourages applications from diverse backgrounds.
- CV
- Cover letter
- Academic transcripts (BSc and MSc, if applicable)
- Two reference letters (to be submitted separately)
Contact
Guiping Wang· Supervisor
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