Glycans as regulators of neutrophil trafficking and anti-tumour activity

About the Project

How do sex hormones shape the immune response to cancer? This studentship will investigate how glycosylation, a fundamental but underexplored mechanism of immune regulation, controls neutrophil trafficking and anti-tumour function in prostate cancer.

Neutrophils are abundant in prostate tumours and can drive resistance to androgen receptor signalling inhibitors (ARSIs), a standard-of-care therapy. While blocking neutrophil recruitment shows promise clinically, many patients remain resistant. This project will uncover how androgen signalling regulates the glycosyltransferase ST3Gal1 in neutrophils and how this controls their migration into tumours and their immunological activity. By linking hormonal therapy, immune-cell glycobiology and tumour immunology, the student will address a timely and clinically relevant question with strong translational potential.

The student will join an interdisciplinary supervisory team spanning glycobiology, gene regulation, tumour immunology, in vivo modelling and bioinformatics. The project offers exceptional, hands-on training in a broad range of cutting-edge approaches, including:

• Primary human and murine neutrophil isolation and culture
• Advanced multiparameter flow cytometry and glycan profiling
• RNA sequencing and bioinformatic analysis
• ChIP-qPCR and transcriptional regulation assays
• CRISPR-based genetic manipulation
• In vivo tumour models

Training will be delivered across multiple research groups, giving the student exposure to distinct scientific environments and expertise. The student will gain experience in both wet-lab and computational methodologies, developing a highly competitive skillset at the interface of cancer immunology, cancer biology and glycobiology. Opportunities for collaboration, conference attendance and specialist training are embedded within the project.

Candidate background: This project is ideally suited to an ambitious candidate with an interest in cancer immunology, who is seeking the opportunity to contribute to research with clinical impact. The ideal candidate should have a background in cell biology and immunology with wet lab experience in basic cell biology techniques. All training in the necessary techniques will be provided.

Potential research placements: The supervisory team has a broad network of collaborators and there is potential for placements to support the glycobiology aspects of the project.

Funding

Students who have, or are expecting to attain, at least an upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject, are invited to apply. Funding is available for Home (UK) students to cover tuition fees, a tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate (indicative amount in year 1 in 2026-27, £21,805) and research costs, for four years. Applicants normally required to cover International fees will have to cover the difference between the Home and the International tuition fee rates. There is no additional funding available to cover NHS Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) costs, visa costs, flights etc.

Funding for this studentship is awarded on a competitive basis and is not guaranteed; availability will depend on the outcome of the selection process and subject to final approval by the University.

HOW TO APPLY

Please complete the following application form – Google Form

Applicants can only apply for 1 project; any additional applications will not be accepted.

Applicants should send the following documents to FMSstudentships@newcastle.ac.uk:

• a CV (including contact details of at least two academic (or other relevant) referees).
• a Cover letter – stating your project choice, as well as including additional information you feel is pertinent to your application.
• copies of your relevant undergraduate degree transcripts and certificates.
• a copy of your IELTS or TOEFL English language certificate (where required)
• a copy of your passport (photo page).

A GUIDE TO THE FORMAT REQUIRED FOR THE APPLICATION DOCUMENTS IS AVAILABLE

Please submit your documents in the following format only:

• each document should be submitted as a separate attachment and should be named as follows: candidate surname, candidate name – document type. For example: Jones, Jamie – CV; Jones, Jamie – cover letter.
• Please submit .pdf documents where possible for your CV, cover letter, transcripts and certificates. Do not submit photos of certificates.
• Do not combine documents into one pdf. You may zip separate documents into a zip file to send via email if required.
• When emailing your application, please use the email subject header: FMS PhD Application 2026

Applications not meeting these criteria may be rejected.

Informal enquiries may be made to the lead supervisor of the project you are interested in.

The deadline for all applications is 12 noon BST (UK time) on Wednesday 20th May 2026.