(MCRC Non-Clinical) Investigating the role of heterogeneity and plasticity in small cell lung cancer invasion

Details

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is among the most aggressive cancers. Approximately 80% of patients present with metastatic disease at which stage treatment options are limited, and median survival <1 year. A key reason for the aggressiveness of this disease is tumour plasticity (wherein cells change their phenotypes) leading to tumour heterogeneity (the tumour comprises diverse phenotypes). Most tumours contain mostly neuroendocrine (NE) cells mixed with a minority of a nonneuroendocrine (non-NE) population. Transition from NE to non-NE states generates this mix, and cooperation between the two populations is required for invasion and metastasis as well as drug resistance.There is limited understanding of what triggers this transition because standard cell lines mostly utilised to study SCLC possess little plasticity. Our team leverages unique patient-derived circulating tumour cell explant (CDX) models that retain spontaneous NE to non-NE transition, providing a powerful platform to uncover mechanisms that drive SCLC progression.

This studentship will explore how microenvironment signalling initiates and propagates the NE to non-NE transition, enabling invasion and metastasis of SCLC cells. To this end, the student will implement cellular assays to follow fate switching, 3D culture assays to study the impact of microenvironmental factors and plasticity on invasion, and kinome profiling to implicate critical kinases that are actionable. Training will span molecular and cell biology, flow cytometry, and microscopy as well as data-driven screening within a collaborative and inclusive supervisory environment, all within state-of-the-art laboratory and office space. The training offered by the studentship will also deliver broad transferable skills for a successful PhD and a career in cancer research.

Eligibility

You must hold, or about to obtain, a minimum Upper Second Class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in a relevant discipline. A related master’s degree would be an advantage

International applicants (including EU nationals) should ensure that they meet the academic eligibility criteria for the programme. Applicants who are offered a place will also need to meet the University’s English language requirements before commencing their studies. Further information can be found on the University’s English Language Requirements page.

Before you Apply

Applicants must make direct contact with preferred supervisors before applying. It is your responsibility to make arrangements to meet with potential supervisors, prior to submitting a formal online application.

How to Apply

Apply directly via this link: https://tinyurl.com/577zjazd or on the online application portal, select MCRC PhD Programme as the programme of study.

You may only apply for one project within this scheme. Please ensure that your application includes all required supporting documents:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Supporting Statement
• Academic Certificates and Transcripts

Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Further details are available on our website: CRUK Manchester Centre PhD Training Scheme | Biology, Medicine and Health | University of Manchester

Application Timeline

• Applications open: Monday, 5 October 2026
• Application deadline: Monday, 23 November 2026
• Interview date: Week commencing 11 January 2027
• Start date: September 2027

Equality, diversity and inclusion are central to the University’s activities. The full statement can be found here: https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/getting-started/equality-diversity-inclusion/

Funding Notes

These studentships are fully funded for four years, covering:

• Project running costs
• University tuition fees (at the UK/Home rate)
• An annual stipend to help with living costs, currently £22,894 a year

International Candidates

We are able to offer a limited number of bursaries to high- performing EU and international candidates, covering PhD fees only. Bursaries do not include financial support for visa/health surcharges. We asses each EU and international candidate’s suitability for a bursary at the application and interview stages.