Full Time PhD Studentship - CRUK Glioma CoE in London

Full Time PhD Studentship - CRUK Glioma CoE in London

London Full-Time 24643 - 24643 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
U

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Conduct groundbreaking research on glioblastoma and its impact on lipid metabolism and immune response.
  • Company: UCL Cancer Institute, a leading centre for cancer research in collaboration with top institutions.
  • Benefits: Fully funded 4-year PhD studentship with a stipend of £24,643 and tuition coverage.
  • Other info: Encourages diverse applicants and offers excellent training in cutting-edge research methodologies.
  • Why this job: Join a dynamic team to advance cancer research and improve patient outcomes.
  • Qualifications: First or Upper Second-Class Honours degree in biological sciences or related field required.

The predicted salary is between 24643 - 24643 £ per year.

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.

How to Apply: 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.

About you: 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.

What we offer: 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.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: 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.

Full Time PhD Studentship - CRUK Glioma CoE in London employer: UCL

The Faculty of Social and Historical Sciences offers a dynamic and supportive work environment, where your contributions to student recruitment and marketing will be valued. With a strong emphasis on professional development, you will have opportunities to grow your skills in higher education admissions and digital marketing while collaborating with a diverse team dedicated to excellence in teaching and research. Located in a vibrant academic community, this role provides a unique chance to engage with prospective students and make a meaningful impact on their educational journey.

U

Contact Details:

UCL Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Full Time PhD Studentship - CRUK Glioma CoE in London

Explore University Career Fairs

University career fairs are gold mines, especially for biology roles. We should hit up these events, connect with potential employers like UCL, and get the inside scoop on full-time opportunities. Plus, it's a fab way to showcase our passion for the field!

Join Biology Communities

Get involved in local biology associations or online forums—these are great for networking and hearing about job openings before they hit the mainstream. Engaging in meaningful discussions can help us stand out and get noticed by hiring managers in the biology sector.

Attend Industry Conferences

Plan to attend biology-related conferences or workshops. These events are perfect for making connections, learning about the latest research, and even finding out which companies, like UCL, are expanding and hiring full-time positions. Don't forget to bring your business cards!

Show Off Your Research Skills

When you land that interview, be ready to flaunt your research experience and practical skills. Discuss any lab work, projects, or internships that demonstrate your expertise in biology. We want to make sure the interviewers see exactly why we're a great fit for the role at UCL.

We think you need these skills to ace Full Time PhD Studentship - CRUK Glioma CoE in London

Laboratory Research Experience
Molecular Biology Techniques
Cellular Biology Techniques
Cancer Biology Knowledge
Immunology Knowledge
Experimental Design
Data Interpretation

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Lab Skills:In the biology field, it's super important to highlight any relevant lab skills. Make sure to include techniques you’ve mastered, like PCR or chromatography, right in your CV. This helps us see your hands-on experience and how you can contribute at UCL.

Tailor Your Cover Letter with Passion:When writing your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for biology shine through! Share specific examples of projects or research that fuel your passion. It’s the perfect way to convey your motivation and fit for the role of Full Time PhD Studentship - CRUK Glioma CoE at UCL.

Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any certifications related to biology—like Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) or even specific software for data analysis—be sure to mention those. They can really set you apart from other applicants and show us you’re dedicated to your professional development.

Highlight Team Projects and Communication Skills:Biology often involves collaboration, so don’t shy away from mentioning any team projects you've worked on in your CV. Emphasise how you communicated findings or contributed in group settings. This gives us insight into how you’d fit into our team at UCL.

How to prepare for a job interview at UCL

Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge

Get ready to dive deep into the scientific concepts related to your field! For a biology role, you'll likely face questions about experimental design, data analysis techniques, and possibly even lab protocols. Make sure you're clear on your coursework and any practical experiences you've had.

Show Off Your Lab Skills

Hands-on experience can make or break an interview in biology. Be prepared to discuss your previous lab work, including techniques like PCR, gel electrophoresis, or microscopy. Bring a portfolio of your lab reports or relevant projects to really impress the hiring team at UCL.

Communicate Your Passion for Biology

As this is a full-time position, employers at UCL are looking for someone who is not just qualified, but truly enthusiastic about biology. Be ready to share specific moments or projects that ignited your interest in the field. A personal story can really set you apart!

Prepare for Behavioural Questions

Don’t underestimate the power of behavioural questions! Expect to discuss situations from your studies or internships where you showed teamwork, problem-solving, or conflict resolution. This is your chance to show that you're not only a great biologist but also a great colleague!