(MCRC Clinical)Shaping early post-transplant inflammation to strengthen graft-versus- leukaemia

Details

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation is the only cure for most patients with high-risk acute myeloid leukaemia. It works because donor immune cells recognise and destroy residual leukaemia, an effect known as graft-versus-leukaemia (GvL). Yet relapse remains the commonest cause of death after transplant, and we still have no way to measure or strengthen GvL before the disease returns.

The first two weeks after transplant are emerging as a decisive window, when donor T cells first encounter the patient’s tissues and any remaining leukaemia against a backdrop of intense inflammation. The successful student will investigate how this early inflammatory environment shapes the developing anti-leukaemic response, and how it can be harnessed to favour GvL over harmful alloreactivity that damages healthy tissues.

The project draws on two exceptional and already-funded resources: PM-SCT, a study that has banked plasma and immune cells from 226 transplant recipients at eight timepoints, and GRACE, a new clinical trial that deliberately boosts early inflammation to strengthen GvL. Using leading-edge plasma proteomics, high-dimensional immune profiling, and single-cell analysis of leukaemia-reactive T cells, the student will build the most detailed picture yet of how early inflammation determines transplant success.

The student will receive broad, hands-on training in cutting-edge discovery and computational platforms, working alongside clinicians, immunologists and informaticians within a translational research programme closely linked to the clinic. This is an outstanding opportunity for an ambitious candidate seeking the technical breadth, scientific independence and clinical relevance needed to launch a career as a clinician scientist or cancer immunologist.

Eligibility

You must be a post-registration clinician and therefore must hold an MBChB degree or equivalent medical degree and ideally have a specialist post in a related subject, to apply for our Clinical Research Training Fellowships.

It is generally expected that CRTFs will return to a training programme in the UK upon completion of their research degree.

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

Clinical fellowships are typically tenable for three years, unless otherwise specified, although under limited circumstances they may extend to four years. The fellowship covers: running expenses, an appropriate salary aligned with the applicant’s current salary and grade, and full coverage of University PhD fees at the UK/home fee rate.

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.