About the Project
We invite applications from creative and motivated individuals to join Professor Sir Shankar Balasubramanian's group for a 4-year PhD studentship, working on multidisciplinary projects exploiting both chemistry and biology to explore fundamental mechanisms of genome function (http://www.balasubramanian.co.uk).
Our projects develop and use cutting edge technologies in chemical biology, molecular biophysics, structural biology and genomics to answer critical questions in genome function. Students will contribute to one or more of our primary research areas below:
A key interest is the structure and function of DNA secondary structures called G-quadruplexes (G4s). G4s are important in gene and chromatin regulation and our aims are to use chemical biology strategies to elucidate their role in genome biology and to develop small molecule-based intervention strategies for cancer [e.g. see Genome Biology, 2025, 25, 155; Nature Chemistry, 2025, 17, 875; PNAS, 2024, 12(7), e2320240121; Nature Communications, 2022, 13:142; Genome Biology, 2021, 22, 117]
We are also developing techniques to map where small molecules bind to DNA and chromatin and to identify the proteins associated with their binding sites with a view to understanding therapeutic mechanisms [e.g. see Nature Biotechnology, 2023, 41, 1265]. Our aim is to characterise small molecule interactions with DNA, RNA and associated proteins and to enable the development of bifunctional small molecules that target the genome and chromatin-associated proteins to understand genome mechanisms and explore their therapeutic potential in diseases such as cancer. The design of bifunctional modalities will encompass new modalities of proximity-inducers that target contextual biology. A recent example being degraders that act at G-quadruplex locations in chromatin [e.g. see Nature Chemistry, 2026, 18, 1092].
This position will be primarily based in the Balasubramanian lab at the Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry and will involve collaborative interactions with the group's sister lab at the CRUK Cambridge Institute.
The student will be highly motivated, capable of independent thought and have excellent communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively. Ideally, the candidate will have a strong background in biochemistry/chemistry and/or molecular biology. A good knowledge of genomics and the chemistry/chemical biology of nucleic acids is highly desirable.
The studentship commences in October 2027 and provides a maintenance grant and tuition fees at the UK rate. However, we could support outstanding overseas students in their application for a suitable scholarship.
Interviews will take place on Wednesday 11th November 2026.
To apply, please email a cover letter, CV, detailed academic transcripts and the contact details for two academic referees direct to: Jo Lockhart, Balasubramanian Group Science Administrator (BalasubramanianRecruitment@ch.cam.ac.uk), including 'PhD – October 2027' in the subject. Any other documents sent will not be considered when assessing your application.
Your cover letter should explain why you wish to be considered for the studentship and describe the relevant qualities and experience you have to undertake a PhD. Please also state how you learned of the studentship.
For queries regarding the studentship, please contact Jo at BalasubramanianRecruitment@ch.cam.ac.uk