Identifying clinically actionable gene-exposure interactions in acute myeloid leukaemia.

About the Project

Background: Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a devastating cancer of the bone marrow affecting approximately 3000 people each year in the UK. Of these, up to 15% of patients develop AML as a result of chemotherapy and radiotherapy given for a previous unrelated cancer – this is called treatment-related AML. Unfortunately, AML has a very poor outcome with just 13% of patients alive at 5 years, demonstrating an urgent need to both reduce the risk of AML and improve treatment outcomes.

Objectives: This project will identify constitutional (inherited) genetic variants that affect response to high-dose chemotherapy (gene:exposure interactions), thus informing treatment decisions to reduce the risk of developing AML and also to improve survival in patients treated for AML. Gene:exposure interactions will then be validated experimentally using genetically-engineered cell models.

Experimental Approach: We have established a large collaboration involving more than 50 scientists from over 20 cancer centres internationally, resulting in a database of >4700 AML cases and >12900 controls, each annotated for over 7 million inherited genetic variants, representing the largest dataset of this type globally. Using these data, we recently identified the first common genetic risk variants for AML (see references below). We have now collated detailed treatment and survival information on these AML patients and will use this to identify genetic variants that affect how patients respond to high-dose chemotherapy. This project will utilise state-of-the art bioinformatics and genetic engineering techniques. Specifically, the successful student will develop skills in data handling and analysis, including imputation, data cleaning, linkage analysis and expression quantitative locus analysis, with much of the work performed using Newcastle University’s new high performance computing system. The project will also utilise gene editing techniques (such as CRISPR) to generate cell models to interrogate the impact of specific gene variants in a fully controlled experimental setting.

Impact and Patient Benefit: Success of this project will identify people at high risk of developing treatment-related AML, such that alternative therapies could be used to reduce risk. This project will also benefit AML patients directly by identifying genetic variants that predict response to chemotherapy and affect survival, thus informing treatment decisions to improve outcome.

Lin et al (2021) Genome-wide association study identifies susceptibility loci for acute myeloid leukemia. Nature Communications: 12, 6233. PMID:34716350. doi: 10.1038/s41467-021-26551-x

Ranasinghe et al (2026) Common variation at 1q23.3, 2p23.3, 2q33.3 and 2p21 influences risk of acute myeloid leukemia. Blood, online ahead of print. doi:10.1182/blood.2025031266

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 20^th May 2026.