Early Cancer Institute Non-Clinical PhD Studentships 2026

Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious institution in the UK is inviting applications for non-clinical PhD studentships starting in October 2026. Candidates with a good upper second-class honours degree are encouraged to apply for specific research projects in the field of oncology. The funding includes tuition fees and a stipend of £22,500 per annum. Please submit your application by January 7, 2026.

Qualifications

• Applicants should have a minimum of a good upper second-class honours degree.
• An equivalent standard from an overseas university is acceptable.

Responsibilities

• Select two projects and rank them in order of preference.
• Submit a PhD application via the University of Cambridge Postgraduate Applicant Portal.
• Ensure all supporting documents are submitted on time.

Education

Good upper second-class honours degree from a UK university or equivalent

Job description

# Early Cancer Institute Non-Clinical PhD Studentships 2026The Early Cancer Institute at the University of Cambridge invites applications from highly motivated and enthusiastic individuals capable of thinking and working independently for a 3.5 year non-clinical studentship funded at the UK home rate. Two studentships funded by generous philanthropy are available:**The Harding Distinguished Postgraduate Scholars/Michael Cowan Foundation Non-Clinical PhD Studentship****The Trinity Cambridge Research/ Michael Cowan Foundation Non-Clinical PhD Studentship**The students will be based in one of the Research Groups of the Early Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge.Six projects are available - see the project titles below and the further information document for full project descriptions. Applicants are encouraged to select **two** projects and rank in order of preference using the Project Identifier in the 'Proposed Supervisor Field' on the University of Cambridge Postgraduate Applicant Portal.Utilising circulating cell free DNA & RNA signatures of immune activation for early cancer detection. Supervisors: Primary - Dr Alexander Frankell. Secondary - Prof Jamie BlundellProject identifier: AFJBOptical coherence tomography as a platform for renal tumour profiling and therapeutic response assessment. Supervisors: Primary -Dr Danielle J. Harper. Secondary - Dr Thomas J. Mitchell Project identifier: DHTMKidney cancer early detection using multimodal AI: from development to clinical validation. Supervisors: Primary - Dr Mireia Crispin-Ortuzar. Secondary - Prof Grant Stewart Project identifier: MCGSDiscovering novel genetic determinants of clonal haematopoiesis to intercept its progression to cancer. Supervisors: Primary - Dr Siddhartha Kar. Secondary - Prof George VassiliouProject identifier: SKGVIntegrating phylogenomics and patient risk across large cohorts to uncover features driving early aggressive kidney cancers. Primary - Dr Thomas Mitchell. Secondary - Dr Tim Coorens (EMBL-EBI) Project identifier: TMTCSupervisor: Dr Matt Hoare Project identifier: MWHO**Funding**These studentships commence in October 2026. They provide funding for tuition fees at the UK rate, an index-linked maintenance stipend for 3.5 years starting at £22,500 per annum and an allocation towards project consumables and training costs.**Eligibility**The studentship funding covers students with UK Home tuition fee status only. For more information on Home tuition fee status please visit the UKCISA website. Applicants should have or shortly expect to obtain a minimum of a good upper second-class honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent standard from an overseas university, in a relevant discipline.**How to apply**Application closing date: 7th January 2026.Before applying please ensure that you meet, or expect to meet our PhD entrance requirements , then submit a full PhD application via the University of Cambridge Postgraduate Applicant Portal . When making your application, you should:* Select to commence study in Michaelmas term 2026 (October 2026).* Add project identifier of your selected first and second choice projects and RD48052 to the 'Proposed Supervisor' field.* Check **all** supporting documents (CV, References and Transcripts, if available) are uploaded by the studentship closing date (7th January 2026). Please note, it is the applicant's responsibility to ensure all supporting documents are submitted on time, failure to do so will result in rejection of your application.Prospective candidates are encouraged to contact the respective supervisors to discuss the project in greater detail.**Interview and selection process**Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an online interview in January 2026. You will be interviewed by a panel of Principal Investigators from the Early Cancer Institute. Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their interview after completion of all the interviews. The successful applicant will receive a formal offer letter by April 2026.For general enquiries about these PhD studentships or the application process, please contact the Department of Oncology Postgraduate Education Team at: [e-mail] quote reference RD48052 in any correspondence about this vacancy.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.### Department/location### Salary### ReferenceRD48052### Category### Date published24 November 2025### Closing date7 January 2026