Studying the role of tryptophan imbalance in the oncoviral tumour microenvironment in the context of epigenetic reprogramming

About the Project

The School of Medicine at the University of Limerick invites applications for a PhD candidate to investigate the role of tryptophan imbalance in shaping the oncoviral tumour microenvironment and driving epigenetic reprogramming in cancer. This project focuses on virus-associated malignancies, with particular emphasis on Epstein Barr virus (EBV) driven cancers, as a model to understand how altered host metabolism influences tumour progression and immune regulation.

The project will examine how dysregulated tryptophan metabolism and its downstream pathways, including serotonin biosynthesis, impact chromatin organisation, transcriptional regulation, and immune cell function within the tumour microenvironment. By integrating molecular epigenetics, cancer biology, and immunological approaches, the research aims to define how oncoviral infections exploit host metabolic–epigenetic axes to promote immune escape and tumour persistence. The findings are expected to provide mechanistic insights into non-mutational drivers of cancer progression and identify potential metabolic and epigenetic vulnerabilities in virus-associated cancers.

Research Themes

• Epigenetic–metabolic coupling in malignancy
• Serotonin-mediated epigenetic regulation in cancer
• Virus-driven oncogenesis
• Tumour–immune system crosstalk and immunoediting
• Role of immune cells and platelets in the tumour microenvironment

What We Offer

• A vibrant and supportive academic research environment
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities within the University of Limerick School of Medicine
• Integration into an active cancer and infection research community
• Expert supervision and mentorship
• Opportunities to publish in peer-reviewed journals and present at national and international conferences

Candidate Requirements

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with:

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in biomedical sciences, molecular biology, cancer biology, immunology, virology, or a related discipline
• Strong interest in cancer epigenetics, tumour immunology, and metabolic regulation
• Prior laboratory experience in molecular or cellular biology techniques (desirable but not essential)
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary research team
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Commitment to completing a high-quality PhD within four years

How to Apply

Please submit the following:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Academic transcripts
• English language requirements as per the requirements of the University of Limerick
• Statement of purpose outlining your motivation, relevant experience, and career goals (max 500 words)
• A brief research proposal aligned with the project theme
• Contact details for two academic referees
• Submit the documents to jeremiah.stanley@ul.ie

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide individual feedback to applicants.

Applications should be submitted in line with the University of Limerick’s PhD application requirements and process.

It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure the application is completed in full and on time. Late and/or incomplete applications will not usually be assessed.

The successful candidate must undergo an internal process of full proposal approval at the School of Medicine- University of Limerick before the final decision.

For further enquiries, email jeremiah.stanley@ul.ie

Funding Notes

This is a non-funded PhD position. Candidates are expected to secure their own funding. Support will be provided to shortlisted candidates in preparing competitive funding applications where appropriate.