Full Time PhD Studentship- Mapping Spatial Plasticity Dynamics in Colorectal Cancer

About us

The Cell Communication Lab at the UCL Cancer Institute , led by Prof. Chris Tape, is dedicated to understanding how cancer cells communicate, adapt, and evolve within complex tumour environments. Our research combines cutting-edge experimental and computational approaches to investigate fundamental questions in cancer biology, with a particular focus on cancer cell plasticity and treatment resistance.

Working closely with clinical colleagues at UCLH and partners across the Cancer Grand Challenges REWIRE-CAN programme , we bring together cancer biologists, clinicians, computational scientists, and drug developers to accelerate discoveries that can ultimately benefit patients. Our laboratory develops and applies innovative technologies including patient-derived organoids, single-cell analysis, spatial transcriptomics, and high-dimensional data science.

We foster a collaborative, inclusive, and intellectually stimulating environment where researchers are encouraged to think creatively, work across disciplines, and contribute to impactful translational cancer research.

About the role

This fully funded four-year PhD project will investigate how cancer cell plasticity varies across different regions of colorectal tumours. The successful candidate will explore a fundamental question in cancer biology: whether all tumour cells possess the ability to switch between drug-sensitive and drug-resistant states.

You will establish and analyse patient-derived organoid models from multiple tumour regions, perform functional perturbation experiments, and study responses to chemotherapy. In parallel, you will use spatial transcriptomic technologies and advanced computational approaches to map plasticity dynamics within tumour tissue.

Throughout the studentship, you will receive training in a range of state-of-the-art technologies, including organoid culture, single-cell mass cytometry, spatial transcriptomics, and high-dimensional data analysis. Working at the interface of discovery science and clinical research, you will collaborate with leading researchers across UCL and an international network of scientists within the REWIRE-CAN consortium.

How to Apply

Submit the following by 24th October 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.

About you

You are a highly motivated and curious scientist with a strong interest in cancer biology and a desire to address important biomedical research questions. You enjoy problem-solving, are resilient when faced with experimental challenges, and are excited by the opportunity to work in a collaborative team-science environment.

You will have, or be expecting to achieve, a First or Upper Second Class degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject. A strong background in cell biology or cancer biology is desirable, along with an enthusiasm for learning new experimental and computational techniques.

Experience in complex cell culture systems, such as organoids, single-cell technologies, or data analysis using Python and/or R would be advantageous. Most importantly, you will be passionate about advancing our understanding of cancer biology through innovative research and collaborative working.

What we offer

This is a full time fully funded 4year PhD studentship , successful candidates will receive a non-taxable annual stipend of £27,800pa 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.

You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/