PhD Studentship: T Cell Immunity in smouldering myeloma

Prof Kwee Yong, Prof Benny Chain, Dr Lydia Lee

Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)

About the Project

The UCL Cancer Institute is a state-of-the-art institute to consolidate cancer research at UCL and promote links with our partner teaching hospitals, in order to support excellence in basic and translational studies. The Institute draws together talented scientists who are working together to translate research discoveries into developing kinder, more effective therapies for cancer patients.

Further information on the Cancer Institute can be found at https://www.ucl.ac.uk/cancer

About the role

This interdisciplinary project is funded by a programme grant from Cancer Research UK Prevention and Population research committee, and is part of an international partnership with academic groups in Oxford, Boston, USA and the Weizmann Institute, Israel

The student will work within the Yong, Quezada and Chain groups at UCL. The underlying hypothesis is that the transition from precancerous to cancerous state is driven by a combination of cell intrinsic (tumour evolution at the genomic level) and extrinsic factors (loss of immune control). Our recent work has highlighted a role for tumour-reactive cytotoxic effector T cells in the immune tumour environment.

About you

Candidate profile

Essential:

• First class degree in molecular biology, immunology or related field
• Experience with cell culture, flow cytometry, molecular biology
• Understanding of cancer biology 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
• Bioinformatics experience

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

Key Dates

• Application Deadline: 15th May 2026
• Interviews: - Week beginning 18th May
• Start Date:- 01 Sept 2026

How to Apply

Submit the following by 15th May 2026 (using the apply button.)

1. CV including:
2. Contact details of two referees (one academic).
3. A short statement (<500 words) explaining how your experience aligns with the project and person specification.
4. Academic transcripts and certificates (PDF format). Include official English translations if applicable.

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 Prof Kwee Yong (kwee.yong@ucl.ac.uk), Benny Chain (b.chain@ucl.ac.uk) and Lydia Lee (l.lee@ucl.ac.uk)

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

What we offer

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