Radiotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is still largely one-size-fits-all — dose and fractionation are set by tumour stage and performance status, despite variation in how individual tumours actually behave. This PhD aims to address this. The successful student will build and validate a mathematical model of tumour response based on the Proliferation Saturation Index (PSI) — a simple, patient-specific measure of how close a tumour sits to its growth ceiling, estimated directly from…
routine pre-treatment imaging. Unlike many tumour models, PSI uses a single identifiable parameter, making it a realistic candidate for real clinical translation. Working with a dataset of 500+ Manchester patients plus international validation cohorts from Dublin, Belfast, and Toronto, you will: Test and refine the model across different radiotherapy schedules. Extend it to capture the effects of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, including immune-related response patterns. Link model predictions to real clinical outcomes — local tumour control and survival, not just image-based tumour regression. Build a virtual trial framework to simulate and test personalised treatment strategies computationally, ahead of future clinical trials. This project sits at the interface of mathematical oncology, medical physics, and clinical radiotherapy, embedded within the Manchester Cancer Research Centre. You'll work alongside clinicians, medical physicists, and radiobiologists, gaining hands-on experience in computational modelling, medical image analysis, and survival statistics — skills in high demand across academic and clinical research careers. This is a rare opportunity to contribute to a project with a genuine, near-term translational pathway: PSI-guided treatment selection is already progressing toward clinical trials in head and neck cancer, and this project lays the groundwork for the same in lung cancer. Eligibility You must hold, or about to obtain, a minimum Upper Second Class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in a relevant discipline. A related master's degree would be an advantage International applicants (including EU nationals) must ensure they meet the academic eligibility criteria (including English language) before contacting potential supervisors to express an interest in their project. Eligibility information can be found on the University's Country Specific information page. Before you Apply Applicants must make direct contact with preferred supervisors before applying. It is your responsibility to make arrangements to meet with potential supervisors, prior to submitting a formal online application. How to Apply Apply directly via this link: https://tinyurl.com/577zjazd or on the online application portal, select MCRC PhD Programme as the programme of study. You may only apply for one project within this scheme. Please ensure that your application includes all required supporting documents: Curriculum Vitae (CV) Supporting Statement Academic Certificates and Transcripts Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Further details are available on our website: CRUK Manchester Centre PhD Training Scheme | Biology, Medicine and Health | University of Manchester Application Timeline Applications open: Monday, 5 October 2026 Application deadline: Monday, 23 November 2026 Interview date: Week commencing 11 January 2027 Start date: September 2027 Equality, diversity and inclusion are central to the University's activities. The full statement can be found here: https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/getting-started/equality-diversity-inclusion/ Funding Notes These studentships are fully funded for four years, covering: Project running costs University tuition fees (at the UK/Home rate) An annual stipend to help with living costs, currently £22,894 a year International Candidates We are able to offer a limited number of bursaries to high- performing EU and international candidates, covering PhD fees only. Bursaries do not include financial support for visa/health surcharges. We asses each EU and international candidate's suitability for a bursary at the application and interview stages.