"CRUK CI PhD Studentship: Delineating small RNA-mediated chromatin silencing"

Project title: Delineating small RNA-mediated chromatin silencing

Supervisors: Professor Greg Hannon and Dr Ben Nicholson

For further information about the research group, including their most recent publications, please visit their websites: https://www.cruk.cam.ac.uk/research-groups/hannon-group and http://www.hannonlab.org/

Overview

We are looking for a talented and motivated student to join our interdisciplinary team in Professor Greg Hannon's lab located at the CRUK Cambridge Institute (a department of the University of Cambridge) to investigate the molecular mechanisms of small RNA-mediated chromatin silencing. As a whole, the Hannon laboratory has broad interests that range from discovery research to cancer biology, as well as a strong commitment to developing and using new tools to address cutting-edge questions in these fields.

This studentship is embedded within the piRNA team, consisting of both wet- and dry-lab scientists that are studying RNA, chromatin and transposon biology, covering all aspects of this RNA-based immune system, including the biogenesis of small non-coding RNAs and the dynamics of chromatin modifications required for transposon silencing.

Project details

This project aims to advance our understanding of small RNA-mediated chromatin silencing using advanced genomics and chromatin profiling methods along with CRISPR/Cas9-mediated cell line engineering and various animal models. You will study the effects of the activation or depletion of chromatin-modifying enzymes using transcriptomics and histone mark profiling as well as by live imaging approaches. As part of this project, you will have the opportunity to gain computational data analysis skills. This studentship comes with the opportunity to explore novel techniques that allow spatial profiling of chromatin marks and RNA output and apply these methods to questions with biological relevance in RNA-guided chromatin silencing.

We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive working environment that fosters intellectual curiosity and scientific excellence.

References/further reading

• Czech B, et al. (2018). piRNA-Guided Genome Defense: From Biogenesis to Silencing. Annual Review of Genetics.
• Van Lopik J, et al. (2023). Unistrand piRNA clusters are an evolutionary conserved mechanism to suppress endogenous retroviruses across the Drosophila genus. Nature Communications.
• Alizada A, et al. (2024). Transcriptional regulation of the piRNA pathway by Ovo in animal ovarian germ cells. Genes & Development.
• Alizada A, et al. (2025). The transcription factor Traffic jam orchestrates the somatic piRNA pathway in Drosophila ovaries. Cell Reports.
• Akkouche A, et al. (2025). A dual histone code specifies the binding of heterochromatin protein Rhino to a subset of piRNA source loci. Nature Structural and Molecular Biology.

Preferred skills/knowledge

We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic and competent student with excellent laboratory skills, a strong background in molecular biology and/or biochemistry, and a keen interest in chromatin research. A reasonable amount, ideally more than 6 months, of practical research experience and an eagerness to discover fundamental biology is essential, while good familiarity with tissue culture, genome editing, or live-imaging approaches would be desirable. The successful candidate is expected to have excellent communication skills and record keeping habits, organisational and time-management skills, an inquisitive mind, and be highly motivated to drive an independent research project.

Funding

This four-year studentship is funded by Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute and includes full funding for University fees and an index-linked stipend starting at £22,500 for four years.

Eligibility:

We welcome applications from both UK and overseas students. 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 recognised university worldwide. Applicants with relevant research experience, gained through Master's study or while working in a laboratory, are strongly encouraged to apply.

How to apply

Please apply via the University Applicant Portal. For further information about the course and to access the Applicant Portal, visit: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/cvcrpdmsc. You should select to commence study in October 2026.

Additional information

To complete your online application, you will need to answer/provide the following: Choice of project and supervisor: Please ensure that you name the project (with reference code) and supervisor, where indicated. You are permitted to apply for up to three projects. Course-specific questions: You will be asked to give details of your Research Experience (up to 2,500 characters). Your Statement of Interest (up to 2,500 characters) should explain why you wish to be considered for the studentship and what qualities and experience you will bring to the role. Supporting documents: Applicants will be asked to provide: Academic transcripts, Evidence of competence in English (if appropriate), Details of two academic referees, CV/resume.

Deadline

The closing date for applications is 17th October 2025 with interviews expected to take place in the week beginning 5th January 2026.