Apply now for the Cancer and Genome Integrity PhD Programme


MRC PPU Cancer and Genome Integrity PhD Programme 2022 Stipend £20,000 per annum tax-free

Defects in DNA replication or DNA repair, and in a range of other cell processes, can lead to mutations and other genomic alterations that give rise to cancers, and consequently tumours tend to have a high degree of genome instability. Understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in DNA replication and repair, therefore, may pave the way for new treatments for cancer. Furthermore, many of the frontline chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancer act by inducing DNA damage or perturbing DNA replication. Therefore, the efficacy of these therapies depends on our understanding of the mechanisms that cells use to sense and process DNA lesions and DNA replication defects.

WWe are looking for talented people to join our 4-year PhD programme. Our aim is to train the research leaders of tomorrow, and we provide support and training at every stage of the PhD, in a world class research institute that benefits from core funding from the MRC. We offer the option of two 4-month rotations in the first year, or alternatively students can join one lab directly for four years. Current projects can be found by clicking here. The stipend for our MRC studentships is £20,000 per annum tax-free, and our students can attend at least one international conference during the course of their PhD. You can see what some of our former PhD students are up to now by reading some of our “Alumni interviews”.

We are currently accepting applications for our 2024 programme. To apply, please send the following to mrcppu-phd-admin@dundee.ac.uk

  • Cover letter explaining your interest in our work. Please also indicate which group(s) you are most interested in, and whether you prefer rotations or would like to join one lab directly.
  • CV with contact details of three referees

Applications from overseas students are welcome. The closing date for this round of applications is 31st March 2024.

MRC PPU 4-year PhD programme

Project Principal Investigator More Info
The antiviral roles of ISG15 modifications Kirby Swatek MORE
Understanding the physiological roles and pathological impacts of ER-Autophagy Jin Rui (Amos) Liang MORE
Decoding the mechanism and function of UFMylation in ER Quality Control Yogesh Kulathu MORE
Finding the eat-me signals Ian Ganley MORE
Leveraging reversible phosphorylation and ubiquitylation pathways for innovative drug discovery approaches. Gopal Sapkota MORE
Location,location, location: DNA damage sensors which launch protective responses to DNA damage John Rouse MORE