Advanced Cancer Models and Therapeutics Group
DPhil Studentship Opportunity – Advanced Cancer Models and Therapeutics Group
Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford
Start date: Michaelmas Term 2026
Studentship reference: 26SURG01WEB
We are delighted to invite applications for a fully funded DPhil (PhD) studentship within the Advanced Cancer Models and Therapeutics Group (
https://www.oncology.ox.ac.uk/research/research-groups/advanced-cancer-models-and-therapeutics-group) in the Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford. This exciting project will be undertaken in collaboration with the Department of Oncology and will focus on developing novel biological insight into colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRLM) through cutting-edge spatial transcriptomic analysis coupled with human disease models.
Colorectal cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with liver metastasis representing the major determinant of patient outcome. While advances in surgery and systemic therapies have improved survival, fundamental gaps remain in our understanding of how tumour cells interact with the surrounding liver microenvironment to enable metastatic growth, immune evasion, and treatment resistance. This DPhil project aims to address these challenges by interrogating both metastatic tumour tissue and background liver at high spatial and molecular resolution to derive a deeper understanding of metastatic mechanisms and identify novel treatment targets. Hypothesis generated from this approach would then be tested by the candidate using human tissue models comprised of perfused cancer specimens and organoids.
The successful candidate will apply and integrate spatial transcriptomics, alongside complementary molecular and histopathological approaches including multiplexed immunohistochemistry, to characterise the cellular architecture, signalling pathways, and immune landscapes of colorectal liver metastases. By directly comparing metastatic lesions with adjacent and distant non-tumour liver tissue, the project seeks to uncover microenvironmental features that promote or restrain metastatic progression, identify novel therapeutic vulnerabilities, and inform the development of improved translational cancer models.
The student will be embedded within a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment at Oxford, benefiting from expertise spanning cancer biology, advanced genomics, bioinformatics, surgical oncology, and translational therapeutics. The Advanced Cancer Models and Therapeutics Group offers access to state-of-the-art facilities, with a specific focus on coupling complex human tissue models with spatial biological approaches. This is driven by strong links to clinical sample pipelines through interaction with clinicians and surgeon-scientists in the Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences. This ensures a strong translational relevance throughout the project. On a day-to-day basis you will be supervised by post-doctoral bioinformaticians in the research group, in addition to a broader ecosystem of spatial biologists throughout Oxford. You will work alongside a large cohort of DPhil students across oncology and surgical sciences and there will be ample opportunity to make use of additional courses in data handling, coding, statistics and single cell transcriptomics analysis within Oxford.
We welcome applications from highly motivated candidates with a strong academic background in molecular biology, biomedical sciences, bioinformatics, genomics, or a related discipline. Prior experience with transcriptomic data analysis, computational biology, or cancer research is advantageous but not essential; comprehensive training will be provided. Candidates should demonstrate intellectual curiosity, enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research, and a commitment to addressing clinically relevant cancer questions.
This studentship represents a unique opportunity to contribute to the next generation of spatially resolved cancer research while training at one of the world’s leading biomedical research universities.
Available funding:
The studentship will cover course fees at the Home rate along with a stipend for three years of at least £21,805. The successful candidate is expected to start in Michaelmas Term (October) 2026.
Application deadline:
The deadline for applications to this studentship is Wednesday 1st April. Informal enquiries are encouraged (alex.gordon-weeks@nds.ox.ac.uk). Further details on the research group can be found on the Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences website.
How to apply:
To be considered for this studentship, please submit an application to the DPhil in Surgical Sciences. On the application form, in the section headed ‘Departmental Studentship Applications’, you must indicate that you are applying for a studentship and enter the reference code for this studentship "26SURG01WEB". The studentship is associated with a college place at Green Templeton College, and you should select Green Templeton as your preferred college at the application stage.