Systems pathology of the breast tumour microenvironment in obesity

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institute offers a unique opportunity for a funded PhD position focused on the interplay between obesity and breast cancer. The role involves cutting-edge single-cell analysis and aims to understand the tumor microenvironment in a collaborative team. Applicants with strong quantitative skills and biology backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• Recent graduate or final-year undergraduate expected to gain a First/Upper Second Class degree.
• Experience in quantitative analyses and laboratory work is encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Characterise tumor microenvironment and investigate links between obesity and breast cancer.
• Contribute to large-scale data analyses within a collaborative team environment.

Skills

Interest in breast cancer research

Strong quantitative analysis skills

Excellent oral and written English

Background in statistics and algorithms

Education

BSc degree in Biology, Biomedicine or a relevant discipline

MSc degree in Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Data Science or related discipline

Job description

Dr Raza Ali wishes to recruit a student to work on the project entitled: "Systems pathology of the breast tumour microenvironment in obesity".

For further information about the research group, including their most recent publications, please visit their website at www.ali-lab.co.uk

This is a unique opportunity for PhD study in the world-leading Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute (CRUK CI), to start a research career in an environment committed to training outstanding cancer research scientists of the future.

The Institute's particular strengths are in genomics, computational biology and imaging; and significant research effort is currently devoted to cancers arising in the breast, pancreas, brain, and colon. Our Core Facilities provide researchers with access to state-of-the-art equipment, in-house expertise and training. Scientists at CRUK CI aim to understand the fundamental biology of cancer and translate these findings into the clinic to benefit patients.

There are around 100 postgraduate students at the Cambridge Institute, who play a vital and pivotal role in its continuing success. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive working environment that fosters intellectual curiosity and scientific excellence.

If you are interested in finding out more about our groundbreaking scientific research, please visit our website at https://www.cruk.cam.ac.uk/

Project details

Being overweight is a known risk factor for developing breast cancer, and obese patients experience poorer outcomes. But the biological basis of these associations remains poorly understood. Past efforts have investigated the link between obesity and the primary tumour, but these analyses relied on data derived from bulk tissue samples lacking cellular and spatial resolution. The hypothesis underpinning this project is that obesity alters the cellular content, activation state and, critically, the spatial architecture of the tumour microenvironment in breast cancer. To test this idea we must characterise thousands of tumours with single-cell and spatial resolution, associated with data on patient height and weight. Using our expertise in single-cell spatial analysis and collaborations with leading epidemiologists, we have collated unique data resources that will enable us to characterise the link between obesity and the breast tumour microenvironment at unprecedented resolution. Moreover, we will also explore the role of exercise in modifying the microenvironment of normal breast tissue in an exercise trial. This is a remarkable opportunity for a motivated scientist to unpick the impact of host factors on tumour structure. To lead this research as a doctoral student you will be passionate about using large-scale data to address important questions in cancer research, have extensive experience of quantitative analyses, and be a positive contributor to our focussed team. Individuals with experience of epidemiology are especially encouraged to apply.

References/further reading

Spatial predictors of immunotherapy response in triple-negative breast cancer. Wang XQ et al. Nature. 2023. doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06498-3

Breast tumor microenvironment structures are associated with genomic features and clinical outcome. Danenberg E et al. Nat Genet. 2022 May;54(5):660-669. doi: 10.1038/s41588-022-01041-y

Imaging mass cytometry and multiplatform genomics define the phenogenomic landscape of breast cancer. Ali HR et al. Nat Cancer. 2020 Feb;1(2):163-175. doi: 10.1038/s43018-020-0026-6

Preferred skills/knowledge

• Interest in breast cancer research.
• BSc degree in Biology, Biomedicine or a relevant discipline (Biochemistry, Neuroscience)
• MSc degree (or equivalent) in Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Data Science or related discipline.
• Strong quantitative analysis skills and experience developing algorithms and/or conducting statistical analyses with biological datasets.
• Background and work knowledge in statistics, algorithms, optimization of novel or existing tools into an effective pipeline.
• Highly collaborative, good communicator, able to find solutions to problems, to work effectively as part of a team.
• Creative thinker, able to contribute intellectually to other projects developed in the Laboratory.
• Excellent oral and written English.

Funding

This four-year studentship is funded by Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute and includes full funding for University fees and, in addition, an index-linked stipend starting at £22,113.

Eligibility

We welcome applications from both UK and overseas students.

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, gained through Master's study or while working in a laboratory, are strongly encouraged to apply.

Deadline

The closing date for applications is 17 August 2025 with interviews expected to take place in the week beginning 29 September 2025.

How to apply

Please apply via the University Applicant Portal. For further information about the course and to access the Applicant Portal, visit:
https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/cvcrpdmsc

You should select to commence study in April 2026.

Additional information

To complete your online application, you will need to answer/provide the following:

Choice of project and supervisor

Please ensure that you name the project (with reference code) and supervisor, where indicated.

Course-specific questions

• You will be asked to give details of your Research Experience (up to 2,500 characters)
• Your Statement of Interest (up to 2,500 characters) should explain why you wish to be considered for the studentship and what qualities and experience you will bring to the role.

Supporting documents

Applicants will be asked to provide: - Academic transcripts - Evidence of competence in English (if appropriate) - Details of two academic referees - CV/resume

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

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.