PROJECT DESRIPTION

Ductal Carcinoma in-situ (DCIS) is a non-obligate precursor of invasive breast cancer, however <50% of DCIS will ever progress to invasive disease during a patient’s lifetime.

Genomics studies of DCIS versus invasive cancer cells show no signature of invasion. This has focused attention on the tumour microenvironment. In DCIS this is complex: we already have shown changes in myoepithelial cells in the evolution of DCIS that change their tumour-suppressor activity to tumour promotor.

There is a need to understand the broader tumour microenvironment and its contribution to disease progression in order to identify predictive biomarkers and potential preventive strategies.

HYPOTHESIS & AIMS:

The hypothesis of this study is that accumulation of changes in the microenvironment compartments of DCIS generate a pro-tumourigenic environment that promotes disease progression.

The Aims of the study are to:

• Comprehensively map the tumour microenvironment in DCIS that has or has not progressed using spatial biology approaches
• Map heterogeneity across a lesion using sWGS and multiplex IHC
• Define mode of progression – local or global – based on mapping whole lesion histology

EXPERIENCE GAINED:

The student would gain expertise in spatial transcriptomics and multiplex IF, bioinformatics analysis and data integration using ML approaches.

Academic Entry Requirements

These studentships are open to graduates with

• a 2:1 or 1st degree in a related subject, with experience of cell/molecular biology

English Language Requirements

Applicants for whom English is not a first language will also require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 (with 6.0 in the written component) or equivalent, unless your undergraduate degree was studied in, and awarded by, an English speaking country. For more information on acceptable English language qualifications please see here.

Fee Status

The funding for this studentship only covers tuition fees at the Home rate. Overseas applicants are welcome to apply, but will be required to fund the difference in tuition fees.

The studentship includes the following funding for 3 years:

• A tax-free annual stipend at standard UKRI rate (in 2025/26: £22,780)
• Tuition fees at the Home rate*
• Project consumables (£20,000 per annum)

*If you are considered an Overseas student for fee purposes, you are welcome to apply for this studentship, however you will be required to cover the difference in tuition fees.

To apply you will need to complete an online application form.

The following supporting documents will be required as part of your application:

• Your CV
• Statement of purpose
• Details of 2 referees
• Copy of your transcript(s), including a breakdown of marks
• Copy of your passport
• If applicable, proof of English proficiency

If you have a question about the project, or would like to arrange an informal discussion, please contact the supervisor directly (subject ‘PhD applicant’). For general enquiries about the PhD studentship or application process please contact bci-pgresearch@qmul.ac.uk 

Successfully shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview at Barts Cancer Institute.