PhD Studentship: The Biochemistry and Chemical Biology of the Genome and Epigenome

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading academic institution in Cambridge is inviting applications for a 4-year PhD studentship starting in October 2026. The candidate will conduct multidisciplinary research in chemistry and biology, focusing on DNA/RNA interactions and their implications in cancer therapy. The position offers a maintenance grant and covers tuition fees. Interested individuals should apply via email with their CV, cover letter, and academic transcripts.

Qualifications

• Must have a solid foundation in biochemistry, chemistry, or molecular biology.
• Experience with genomic techniques desired.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to work in a research team.

Responsibilities

• Perform multidisciplinary research on genome function.
• Develop cutting-edge technologies in chemical biology and genomics.
• Collaborate with sister labs to advance cancer research.

Skills

Motivated and capable of independent thought

Excellent communication skills

Collaborative work capabilities

Education

Strong background in biochemistry/chemistry and/or molecular biology

Knowledge of genomics and the chemistry/chemical biology of nucleic acids

Job description

Overview

We invite applications from creative and motivated individuals to join Professor Sir Shankar Balasubramanian's group for a 4-year PhD studentship, working on a multidisciplinary project exploiting both chemistry and biology to explore fundamental mechanisms of genome function ( http://www.balasubramanian.co.uk ).

Our projects involve developing and using cutting edge technologies in chemical biology, molecular biophysics, structural biology and particularly genomics. Students will contribute to one or more of our primary research areas below:

Our main area of interest is on the structure and function of DNA (and RNA) secondary structures called G-quadruplexes (G4s). Studies suggest G4s are important for the control of transcription, translation and other key biological mechanisms. We aim to elucidate their role, their interactions with proteins and explore small molecule-based intervention strategies for cancer [e.g. see Genome Biology, 2025, 25, 155; Nature Chemistry, 2025, 17, 875; PNAS, 2024, 12(7), e2320240121; Nature Communications, 2022, 13:142; Genome Biology, 2021, 22, 117]

In recent work we have developed techniques to map where small molecules bind to DNA and RNA, and to identify the proteins associated with their binding sites with a view to understanding therapeutic mechanisms [e.g. see Nature Biotechnology 2023, 41 1265]. We are expanding this work to create methods to characterise small molecule interactions with DNA, RNA and associated proteins. We are exploiting our findings from such methods to design bifunctional small molecules that target the genome and chromatin-associated proteins.

This position will be primarily based in the Balasubramanian lab at the Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry and will involve collaborative interactions with the group's sister lab at the CRUK Cambridge Institute.

Candidate profile

• The student will be highly motivated, capable of independent thought and have excellent communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively.
• Ideally, the candidate will have a strong background in biochemistry/chemistry and/or molecular biology. A good knowledge of genomics and the chemistry/chemical biology of nucleic acids is highly desirable.

Offer and start date

The studentship commences in October 2026 and provides a maintenance grant and tuition fees at the UK rate. However, we could support outstanding overseas students in their application for a suitable scholarship.

How to apply

To apply, please email a cover letter, CV, detailed academic transcripts and the contact details for two academic referees direct to: Jo Lockhart, Balasubramanian Group Science Administrator ( [e-mail] ), including 'PhD: October 2026' in the subject line.

Your cover letter should explain why you wish to be considered for the studentship and describe the relevant qualities and experience you have to undertake a PhD. Please also state how you learned of the studentship.

For queries regarding the studentship, please contact Jo at [e-mail].

Timeline and reference

Interviews will take place on Tuesday 25th November 2025.

Please quote reference MA47419 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

Equality and inclusion

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.