Single-cell spatial multi-omics for cancer biology

Reference: SW51030

Supervisor: Dr Guiping Wang

Department/location: Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute

Deadline for application: 16th October 2026

Course start date: 1st October 2027

Overview

Dr Guiping Wang wishes to recruit a student to work on the project entitled: “Single-cell spatial multi-omics for cancer biology”.

For further information about the research group, including its most recent publications, please visit our website at https://www.cruk.cam.ac.uk/research-groups/wang-group/

This is a unique opportunity for PhD study in the world-leading Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute (CRUK CI).

The Institute’s particular strengths are in genomics, computational biology and imaging; and significant research effort is currently devoted to cancers arising in the breast, pancreas, brain, and colon. AI has become integrated into all areas of research, as well as standalone, to generate new pathways for innovation and collaboration. Our Core Facilities provide researchers with access to state-of-the-art equipment, in-house expertise and training.Scientists at CRUK CI aim to understand the fundamental biology of cancer and translate these findings into the clinic to benefit patients.

There are around 100 postgraduate students at the Cambridge Institute, who play a vital and pivotal role in its continuing success. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive working environment that fosters intellectual curiosity and scientific excellence.

If you are interested in finding out more about our groundbreaking scientific research, please visit our website at https://www.cruk.cam.ac.uk/

Project details

In the Wang Group, we develop and apply interdisciplinary technologies that bridge high-resolution spatial biology and genome-wide discovery. By integrating multi-omic sequencing and quantitative imaging, we work towards a multi-scale understanding of how molecular composition and subcellular organisation shape cell function, plasticity and disease. A central biology focus of the lab is extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) – circular DNA elements that drive oncogene amplification, intratumour heterogeneity and therapeutic resistance across many aggressive solid cancers.

This PhD project will help develop and apply cutting-edge single-cell and spatial multi-omic approaches that link molecular signatures to cancer cell vulnerabilities. Working at the interface of molecular, chemical and optical method development and cancer biology, the student will build tools that connect molecular mechanisms of gene regulation to cellular phenotypes in cancer cells, and use them to dissect how ecDNA is organised, regulated and exploited in cancer.

The balance between method development, cancer biology and computational analysis will be shaped around your strengths and interests. Applicants from a physical-sciences or computational background should not be deterred by the biology, nor biologists by the optics and coding: training will be provided in whatever you have not done before.

References/further reading

• Tang J*, Weiser NE*, Wang G* et al. Enhancing transcription–replication conflict targets ecDNA-positive cancers. Nature 635, 210–218 (2024). PMID: 39506153
• Wang G, et al. Spatial organization of the transcriptome in individual neurons. bioRxiv doi: 10.1101/2020.12.07.414060
• Wang G*, Simon D*, et al. Structural plasticity of actin-spectrin membrane skeleton and functional role of actin and spectrin in axon degeneration. eLife (2019). PMID: 31042147
• Wang G, Moffitt JR, Zhuang X. Multiplexed imaging of high-density libraries of RNAs with MERFISH and expansion microscopy. Sci Rep 8, 4847 (2018). PMID: 29555914
• Moffitt JR*, Hao J*, Wang G* et al. High-throughput single-cell gene-expression profiling with multiplexed error-robust fluorescence in situ hybridization. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 113, 11046–11051 (2016). PMID: 27625426

Preferred skills/knowledge

We are looking for a curious, motivated and collaborative student with an interest in interdisciplinary science at the intersection of molecular biology, genomics, microscopy and computation. Applicants should hold, or expect to gain, an undergraduate or Master's degree in biophysics, biology, physics, chemistry, bioengineering, physical chemistry, biomedical sciences, or a related discipline.

Any of the following experience would be helpful, although we do not expect any one applicant to have all of it:

• Laboratory experience in molecular or cell biology – for example mammalian cell culture, nucleic acid work, or immunofluorescence staining.
• Hands-on experience of fluorescence microscopy, or of optics and instrument building.
• Exposure to next-generation sequencing, either at the bench or in analysis.
• Programming in Python, R or MATLAB, and any experience of analysing image or sequencing data.
• A previous research project, internship or Master's thesis in a related area.

Funding

This four-year studentship is funded by Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute and includes full funding for University fees, with an index-linked stipend starting at £22,894pa for four years in 2027-28.

Eligibility

We welcome applications from both UK and overseas students.

Applications are invited from recent graduates or final-year undergraduates who hold or expect to gain a First/Upper Second Class degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject from any recognised university worldwide.

Applicants with relevant research experience, gained through Master’s study or while working in a laboratory, are strongly encouraged to apply.

How to apply

Please apply via the University Applicant Portal. For further information about the course and to access the Applicant Portal, visit:

https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/cvcrpdmsc

You should select to commence study in October 2027.

Additional information

To complete your online application, you will need to answer/provide the following:

Choice of project and supervisor

Please ensure that you name the project (with reference code) and supervisor, where indicated. You are permitted to apply for up to three projects.

Course-specific questions

• You will be asked to give details of your Research Experience (up to 2,500 characters)
• Your Statement of Interest (up to 2,500 characters) should explain why you wish to be considered for the studentship and what qualities and experience you will bring to therole.

Supporting documents

Applicants will be asked to provide:

• Academic transcripts
• Evidence of competence in English (if appropriate)
• Details of two academic referees.
• CV/resume

References

We would appreciate it if you could ask your referees to submit their references as soon as possible upon request, despite the longer University deadline for references. They will receive a request once you have completed the References section of your application.

Deadline

The closing date for applications is 16th October 2026, with interviews expected to take place in the week beginning 4th January 2027.

Funding Notes

This four-year studentship is funded by Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute and includes full funding for University fees, with an index-linked stipend starting at £22,894pa for four years in 2027-28.

References

• Tang J*, Weiser NE*, Wang G* et al. Enhancing transcription–replication conflict targets ecDNA-positive cancers. Nature 635, 210–218 (2024). PMID: 39506153
• Wang G, et al. Spatial organization of the transcriptome in individual neurons. bioRxiv doi: 10.1101/2020.12.07.414060
• Wang G*, Simon D*, et al. Structural plasticity of actin-spectrin membrane skeleton and functional role of actin and spectrin in axon degeneration. eLife (2019). PMID: 31042147
• Wang G, Moffitt JR, Zhuang X. Multiplexed imaging of high-density libraries of RNAs with MERFISH and expansion microscopy. Sci Rep 8, 4847 (2018). PMID: 29555914
• Moffitt JR*, Hao J*, Wang G* et al. High-throughput single-cell gene-expression profiling with multiplexed error-robust fluorescence in situ hybridization. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 113, 11046–11051 (2016). PMID: 27625426