PhD Studentship - High-order chromatin structure and oncogenic stress - University of Cambridge

Scholarship Description:

The Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute (CRUK CI) is a joint venture between the Charity, Cancer Research UK, and the University of Cambridge. The Institute has excellent state-of-the-art facilities and research ranges from basic cancer biology and computational biology through to translational research and clinical application. Graduate students play a pivotal role in the continuing success of our research programmes and gaining a studentship in the Institute is an excellent opportunity to start a research career in an environment committed to training outstanding cancer research scientists of the future. For further information, go to: https://www.cruk.cam.ac.uk/jobs-and-studentships/postgraduate-study

Professor Masashi Narita wishes to appoint a student to work on the project entitled: High-order chromatin structure and oncogenic stress.

For further information about the research group, including their most recent publications, please visit their website: https://www.cruk.cam.ac.uk/research-groups/narita-group

Project description: Low levels of oncogenic RAS promote proliferation, whereas high levels induce senescence. This non-linear effect of RAS on cell proliferation suggests that there is a 'tipping point' for senescence induction. We have recently found that oncogene-induced senescence is accompanied by a drastic rewiring of the enhancer-promoter landscape (BioRxive). We hypothesize that alterations of the dynamic and plastic high-order chromatin structure landscape might determine the oncogenic tipping point. We will address this question, using cell biology and genomic (Hi-C, ChIP-seq etc.) approaches as well as through close collaboration with computational biologists.

Further reading: Transcription-driven cohesin repositioning rewires chromatin loops in cellular senescence Olan I. et al. (https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/823831v1)

Degree Level:

PhD Studentship - High-order chromatin structure and oncogenic stress - University of Cambridge is available to undertake PhD level programs at University of Cambridge.

Available Subjects:

Following subject are available to study under this scholarship program.

• oncology
• High-Order Chromatin Structure

Scholarship Benefits:

This project is funded by a Cancer Research UK studentship that includes full funding for University and College fees and a stipend of £19,000 per annum.

Eligible Nationalities:

No nationality restrictions apply to Cancer Research UK funded studentships. Applications are invited from recent graduates or final year undergraduates who hold or expect to gain a first/upper second class degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject from any recognized university worldwide.

Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible, applicants must have to meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Recent graduates or final year undergraduates who hold or expect to gain a first/upper second class degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject from any recognized university worldwide.

Application Procedure:

All applications need to be made using the University Applicant Portal. Please visit: https://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/cvcrpdmsc for further information about the course and to access the applicant portal.

To complete your on-line application, you need to provide the following:

Reference Request: The names and contact details of two academic referees who have agreed to act on your behalf.

Research: If you wish to be considered for more than one studentship, please enter the names of all of the supervisors you wish to consider your application in the 'Research summary' text box. If you only wish your application to be considered by a single supervisor, then please enter their name in the 'Research Supervisor' text box. Please describe your past 'Research experience' in the appropriate text box.

Course Specific Questions: Your statement of interest (limit of 2,500 characters) should explain why you wish to be considered for the studentship and which qualities and experience you will bring to the role. Please also state how you learned of the studentship.

Supporting Documents: Please upload your CV (PDF file), which should include a list of the examinations taken at the undergraduate level and if possible, your examination results

Deadline:
The closing date for applications is 15 November 2020, with interviews expected to take place in December/January.

Please quote reference SW24183 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.