Ethnic influences on T cell immunity in smouldering myeloma

About the Project

The UCL Myeloma Immunology group are seeking a talented, energetic and ambitious PhD candidate to study how genetic diversity in HLA and T cell receptors (TCRs) influences immune function and disease progression in patients with smouldering myeloma. Smouldering myeloma is a pre-cancerous condition that precedes the bone marrow cancer called multiple myeloma, although not all individuals with smouldering myeloma will develop myeloma.

About the role

The student will work within the Chain, Yong and Boyle groups at UCL. The underlying hypothesis is that the transition from precancerous to cancerous state is influenced by heritable genetic diversity in the adaptive immune response, including diversity of HLA alleles and the TCR repertoire. These genetic factors account for the ethnic variation in cancer evolution, including the risk that a patient with smouldering myeloma will progress to myeloma. We will address these questions using patients from White, Black and Asian backgrounds recruited to the COSMOS study.

About you

We are seeking a talented, energetic and ambitious PhD candidate to study how genetic diversity in HLA and T cell receptors (TCRs) influences immune function and disease progression in patients with smouldering myeloma. Smouldering myeloma is a pre-cancerous condition that precedes the bone marrow cancer called multiple myeloma, although not all individuals with smouldering myeloma will develop myeloma.

Candidate profile

Essential:

• First class degree or 2:1 in mathematics, computer science, immunology or related field
• Experience with bioinformatics
• Understanding of tumour genetics and immunology
• Excellent analytical, problem solving and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Strong motivation, initiative and creative skills

Desirable

• Peer reviewed publications
• Experience of cellular culture and cellular assays

Applicants must quality for UK Home fee status and meet UCL PhD admissions criteria

Key dates:

1. Application Deadline: 15th May 2026
2. Interviews: Week beginning 18th May 2026
3. Start date: 1st Sept 2026

How to apply

Submit the following by using the apply button:

1. CV including contact details of two referees, one academic
2. A short statement (<500 words) explaining how your experience aligns with the project and person specification
3. Academic transcripts and certificates (PDF format)

References:

Ask your referees to email their letters directly to ci.hr-office@ucl.ac.uk by the deadline. Subject line must include the studentship title and your surname

For questions about the project, contact kwee.yong@ucl.ac.uk b.chain@ucl.ac.uk eileen.boyle@ucl.ac.uk

For application queries, contact ci.hr-office@ucl.ac.uk

What we offer

This is a full time fully funded 4-year PhD studentship funded by Cancer Research UK, successful candidates will receive a non-taxable annual stipend of 24,643 covering tuition fees at the Home rate.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.

Our department holds an Athena SWAN Gold award, in recognition of our commitment and demonstrable impact in advancing gender equality.