PhD studentship: Breast Cancer Centre PhD Studentship (MED2039)

Nottingham Breast Cancer Centre PhD Studentship 

About the Project 

This is a fully-funded PhD studentship in the Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre at the University of Nottingham. 

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK accounting for 15% of all newly diagnosed cancers. Over 150,000 will lose their lives to the disease in the next 10 years and there is a real need to improve the survival of breast cancer patients. 

The Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre is pleased to offer a fully funded PhD research studentship. We have a longstanding research interest, and international track record, in many areas of breast cancer including pathology; cell, molecular and radiation biology/radiotherapy; medical oncology/chemotherapy; translational oncology; clinical trials; pre-clinical models; stem cells; and surgery. A number of pivotal discoveries have been made in Nottingham with current research continuing to provide exciting data, improving our understanding of breast cancer and delivering novel therapies. 

The Studentship is aimed to boost investment in training the next generation of breast cancer researchers. This will not only encourage new talent but deliver further excellence in breast cancer research.  

The successful applicant will choose from two scientifically excellent projects on offer, which have been peer-reviewed by a number of nationally and internationally recognised external breast cancer reviewers and our patient/supporters group. They will join an already active and vibrant community of PhD students, currently consisting of over 20 individuals, with a well-established training and mentoring programme in place that consists of both key skills training and online monitoring of research progress. 

Project Options:

Option 1 - A multi-omics spatial approach to characterise and define the tumour immune microenvironment in UK and African triple negative breast cancer patients and the effects on their prognosis

The project focuses on understanding population-specific differences in breast tumour immune microenvironment (TIME) of UK and African patient cohorts. Using a world-first integration of three single-cell spatial platforms, CosMx (spatial transcriptomics), MACSima (high-plex immunobiology), and OrbiSMS (spatial glycosaminoglycan profiling), you will map the relationship of immune subsets, signalling pathways, and extracellular matrix interactions and identify novel interactions and phenotypes. The project investigates how extracellular matrix shapes the recruitment, retention, and function of immune cells, influencing tumour progression and therapeutic response. Findings will inform biomarker discovery and immunotherapy strategies, while providing unparalleled training in spatial biology, immunology, and translational cancer research.

Principal Supervisor: Dr Judith Ramage (Judith.ramage@nottingham.ac.uk) has an international track record in immune cell biology, tumour immunology, and translational research, providing an ideal environment to develop cutting-edge approaches. This is a unique opportunity to work in a world-class immunology-led research environment with access to cutting-edge technologies and a collaborative, interdisciplinary team that have successfully supervised over 50 PhD students.

Option 2 - Ki67 reloaded: Investigating novel links between the mitotic chromosome periphery, cell division fidelity and breast cancer

The mitotic chromosome periphery (MCP) is an enigmatic sheath that coats the entire outer surface of every single one of our chromosomes. Despite being first observed over 100 years ago, it remains one of the least understood components in cell division biology – we simply know almost nothing about it! However, Team Booth recently discovered that Ki67, the famous cancer proliferation marker, controls the MCP, revealing novel functions in cell division fidelity (healthy mitosis). Links between Ki67/MCP and cancer are highly likely but remain elusive. The project, using advanced cell bioimaging and gene editing approaches, will build upon exciting pilot data, to determine the role of Ki67/MCP in breast cancer cell biology. With an overarching goal being to investigate if modulating the MCP can “rescue” healthy cell division.

 Principal Supervisor: Dr Daniel Booth (daniel.booth@nottingham.ac.uk). Team Booth are leaders in the development of advanced cell biology imaging tools and applying them to address important biological questions centred on chromosome biology and cell division – key to the mechanisms underpinning abnormal proliferation events, such as those contributing to cancer https://www.themitosisbooth.com.

Funding Notes 

The 3 year studentship covers tuition fees, a tax-free stipend and a generous research budget. A travel fund is also provided to guarantee participation in a national and international conference. International candidates are eligible to apply, however they would need to fund the difference in tuition fee.  

Start Date: 1st February 2026 

Entry Requirements 

UK applicants who hold a 1st or 2:1 class degree in a relevant biological area or a Merit at Masters level. This project requires a motivated and driven candidate. 

How To Apply 

Please email a CV including details for 2 referees along with a covering letter stating why you are interested in the project to nbcrc@nottingham.ac.uk 

Informal enquiries about the studentship can also be sent to nbcrc@nottingham.ac.uk 

Application deadline: 11th November 2025 

Closing Date: 11 Nov 2025
Category: Studentships