Sheffield Hallam University announces a fully funded 4-year PhD studentship exploring tumour dormancy in breast cancer through computational biology and spatial omics. Applications close 7 January 2026.
Fully Funded Four-Year PhD Studentship Available at Sheffield Hallam University
Sheffield Hallam University has opened applications for a highly competitive, fully funded four-year PhD studentship beginning in October 2026. Hosted within the research group led by Dr. Lewis Quayle, this project is offered through the prestigious BBSRC Yorkshire Bioscience Doctoral Training Partnership (YBDTP)—a programme renowned for producing leading researchers across biological and biomedical sciences.
This studentship presents an exceptional opportunity for a motivated researcher to explore one of the most compelling challenges in oncology: understanding the molecular basis of tumour cell dormancy in breast cancer. Through a combination of cutting-edge computational approaches, bioinformatics, systems biology, and advanced spatial omics, the successful candidate will contribute to groundbreaking discoveries with potential to shape the future of cancer treatment.
Understanding the Challenge: Tumour Dormancy in Breast Cancer
Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in the UK. Despite advances in early detection and primary treatment, metastatic relapse continues to be the leading cause of mortality. A key driver of relapse is the persistence of dormant tumour cells—rare cells that survive initial therapy, lie inactive for years, and later reactivate to form incurable metastatic disease.
This PhD project seeks to unravel the core biological questions underlying dormancy:
- How do tumour cells survive in a non-dividing, quiescent state?
- What molecular networks regulate their entry into and exit from dormancy?
- Which microenvironmental cues determine whether dormant cells remain inactive or reactivate?
By integrating multi-omic datasets and applying state-of-the-art spatial transcriptomics, the project aims to generate a detailed mechanistic understanding of dormancy pathways in breast cancer.
Project Overview and Objectives
Under the supervision of Dr. Lewis Quayle and in collaboration with Dr. Nik Georgopoulos (Sheffield Hallam University) and Professor Penelope Ottewell (University of Sheffield), the student will undertake a structured, multi-phase research programme.
Phase 1: Discovery Through RNA-Seq Analysis
The journey begins with an exploration of unique RNA-seq datasets derived from novel breast cancer dormancy models. The student will:
- Perform differential expression analysis across dormant and proliferative tumour states
- Identify conserved and subtype-specific dormancy gene signatures
- Construct gene regulatory networks linked to quiescence
- Apply systems biology and pathway enrichment tools
- Integrate multi-omic data to generate mechanistic hypotheses
This foundational phase will produce a high-resolution map of the molecular pathways sustaining dormancy.
Phase 2: Spatial Validation Using Xenium Transcriptomics
Key findings from Phase 1 will then be validated using 10x Genomics Xenium spatial transcriptomics, allowing the student to investigate dormancy in its true anatomical context.
This phase includes:
- Spatial localisation of predicted regulatory signals
- Mapping interactions between tumour, immune, and stromal cells
- Identifying environmental niches supporting long-term survival
- Determining positional cues that may trigger reactivation
This cutting-edge approach ensures that computational predictions are aligned with real tissue microenvironments.
Phase 3: Mechanistic Integration and Translational Insights
The final phase synthesises all findings into an integrated framework that explains:
- How dormant cells persist long-term
- What governs their reactivation
- Which nodes represent potential biomarkers or therapeutic intervention points
The goal is to develop conceptual and translational advances that could inform future therapies aimed at preventing metastatic relapse.
Training, Skills, and Research Environment
This interdisciplinary project offers extensive training across modern bioscience research methodologies. The student will develop expertise in:
- High-performance computing
- Bulk and spatial transcriptomic analysis
- Network biology and mathematical modelling
- Multi-omic data integration
- Cancer dormancy biology and tumour–host interactions
As part of the YBDTP cohort, the student will gain access to:
- Interdisciplinary training courses
- Professional development opportunities
- Cohort-wide networking and collaboration
- State-of-the-art computational facilities and lab environments
Supervisory Team
The candidate will be supported by a high-calibre supervisory group:
Dr. Lewis Quayle (Sheffield Hallam University)
Expert in molecular oncology, systems biology, and computational modelling
Dr. Nik Georgopoulos (Sheffield Hallam University)
Specialist in cancer cell biology and disease modelling
Prof. Penelope Ottewell (University of Sheffield)
Leader in metastasis research and preclinical cancer biology
Together, they offer a strong combination of expertise spanning computational sciences, experimental biology, and translational oncology.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Hold or expect to achieve at least an upper second-class honours degree
- Come from a background in biological, physical, computational, or related disciplines
- Demonstrate interest in applying computational tools to biological problems
- Meet English-language requirements (IELTS 7.0 overall if applicable)
The YBDTP encourages applications from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds.
Funding Package
This fully funded studentship includes:
- A four-year tax-free stipend (higher of the Real Living Wage: £22,152 OR the UKRI rate: £20,780 for 2025/26)
- Full UK tuition fee coverage
- Research and training support funding
This financial package ensures that the student can focus entirely on producing world-class research.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should follow these steps:
- Deadline: 5pm (UK time), Wednesday 7 January 2026
- Submit an Expression of Interest through the YBDTP application portal
- Candidates may apply for up to two YBDTP projects
Project enquiries: [email protected]
Application enquiries: [email protected]
Selection Process
- Shortlisting begins immediately after the deadline
- Interviews will be held in February 2026
- Successful candidates will be notified promptly
- Offers must be accepted within 10 days
Call to Action: Apply Now for the 2026 PhD Cohort
This is an extraordinary opportunity for an emerging researcher to join a high-impact project, receive world-class training, and contribute to discoveries that may ultimately transform the treatment of breast cancer.
