PhD Studentship in Cancer Immunology: Hypoxia-Driven Fibroblast Reprogramming in Immunotherapy Resistant Liver Cancer
Newcastle University – Biosciences Institute
Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
General Description
Newcastle University invites applications for a fully funded PhD Studentship in Cancer Immunology focusing on hypoxia-driven fibroblast reprogramming in immunotherapy-resistant liver cancer. This project will investigate how hypoxia regulates fibroblast identity and function within liver tumours and how these stromal cells influence anti-tumour immune responses. Primary liver cancer is among the fastest rising causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Although immunotherapy has significantly improved cancer treatment outcomes, only a small proportion of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma respond effectively. Increasing evidence indicates that the tumour microenvironment, particularly stromal and immune cells, plays a crucial role in determining therapeutic response.
A hallmark of many solid tumours is hypoxia, a condition characterized by low oxygen levels resulting from abnormal tumour vasculature and rapid growth. Hypoxia can reprogramme stromal cells, including cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), enabling them to suppress anti-tumour immunity and promote resistance to therapy. This PhD project aims to understand how hypoxic conditions regulate fibroblast behaviour in liver tumours and how these cells shape the immune landscape and outcomes of immunotherapy.
The successful candidate will investigate stromal–immune interactions within hypoxic tumour niches and their influence on immunotherapy responses using a combination of experimental and analytical approaches. Research methodologies will include in vivo cancer models, spatial tissue analysis, and immunological profiling to dissect mechanisms underlying tumour microenvironment regulation.
The student will receive comprehensive training in key experimental approaches used in tumour microenvironment research, including pre-clinical mouse models of cancer, multi-parameter flow cytometry and immune phenotyping, histology and immunofluorescence with spatial tissue profiling, cell culture and molecular analysis of stromal and immune cells, and the analysis and interpretation of complex biological datasets.
The successful applicant will join the Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group within the Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, an internationally recognised and collaborative research environment with access to state-of-the-art experimental facilities. The project will be supervised by Dr Jack Leslie, Dr Brian Ortmann, and Dr Ute Jungwirth. The studentship is sponsored by Cancer Research UK in partnership with Newcastle University. The position is scheduled to begin on 21 September 2026 and will run for a duration of four years. One studentship is available.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must hold, or expect to obtain, a 2:1 honours degree or international equivalent in a relevant subject such as biological sciences, cancer biology, immunology, or a related discipline. A Master’s degree with a strong research training component is highly advantageous.
Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency with an overall IELTS score of 6.5, with at least 5.5 in each sub-skill, or an equivalent qualification.
International applicants may require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) clearance certificate prior to obtaining a visa and enrolling in the programme.
Required Expertise/Skills
Strong interest in cancer biology, tumour microenvironment research, or immunology
Motivation to undertake interdisciplinary experimental research
Ability to analyse and interpret complex biological datasets
Prior laboratory experience in relevant techniques such as tissue culture or molecular biology is advantageous but not mandatory
Willingness to learn advanced research methodologies including in vivo models, flow cytometry, histology, immunofluorescence, and spatial profiling technologies
Salary Details
The studentship covers Home tuition fees and provides a UKRI rate stipend starting at £22,500 per year for the 2026/2027 academic year.
Application Deadline
13 April 2026