Modelling telomere-erosion and ageing as a biomarker for cancer outcome

About the Project

This PhD is an exciting opportunity for a student looking to build a career in cancer research or develop transferable experience suitable for the healthcare tech industry. The project is focused on the analysis of over 13,000 cancer genomes and the discovery of novel biomarkers for patient outcome (mortality or survival).

Working with Dr Will Cross at the School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, the student will write code and create publishable mathematical models that describe the relationship of telomere ageing and cancer severity. This PhD involves large-scale bioinformatics, hence an MSc in Bioinformatics, applied mathematics, or computer science (or equivalent experience), is essential.

The candidate also requires a willingness to learn some cancer genetics and to work within online workspaces, computer clouds, and computational clusters. They will also need to work on-site at the University of Reading and attend weekly meetings with Dr Cross. Presentation at annual research meetings, school seminars, and international conferences is mandatory, and funding is included for travel and science communication.

There is an excellent training package, as well as access to a community of like-minded researchers.

Interviews are expected to be held in-person at the University in mid-August 2026.

The start date is 12th October 2026, and the funding and project will take place over 3 years.