these microRNAs in various clinical samples with a view to defining a diagnostic panel for pancreatic cancer. The project is supported by generous funding from the Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance (see https://hnycanceralliance.org.uk ) and York St John University, and will involve collaborations across Yorkshire, in particular with York Hospital ( https://www.yorkhospitals.nhs.uk/our-services/organdonation/a-z-of-services/rapid-diagnostic-centre/ ), the University of Hull ( https://www.hull.ac.uk/staff-directory/anthony-maraveyas ), and the University of Leeds ( https://medicinehealth.leeds.ac.uk/medicine/staff/505/yazan-s-khaled ). The post will be based at the York St John campus in central York within the biomedical research department, and will start on 1st February 2027.
Eligibility
Successful applicants must have an honours degree (2:1 or above) and a postgraduate master's degree from a UK HEI, or an internationally recognised equivalent. The degree must be in a discipline that is relevant to the research. Applicants will need to have completed and received any award needed for entry criteria prior to start date. A provisional grade will not be permitted.
Candidates must be able to demonstrate previous lab-based research experience and excellent organisational and inter-personal skills.
We welcome applications from candidates with lived experience reflective of the research context of this project and/or encourage candidates from backgrounds that are currently underrepresented in postgraduate study.
Enquiries prior to application are encouraged; contact Prof Thomas Hughes on t.hughes@yorksj.ac.uk
Application Process
Application should be made by following the YSJU admission process, including submission of a CV that highlights previous research experience and contains a statement explaining how the candidate's background makes them suitable for the post. To submit an application, please use this link:
https://evision.yorksj.ac.uk/live/sits.urd/run/siw_ipp_lgn.login?process=siw_ipp_app&code1=D3RSSSTHXFEB&code2=0005
A research proposal is not required. Please upload a word document that states 'proposal not required'.
Application Timeline
Application deadline: 2nd November 2026
Interviews: week commencing 16th November 2026
Start date: 1st February 2027
For admissions queries, please contact PGR Admissions at pgr.admissions@yorksj.ac.uk
Funding Notes
This studentship will be for 3 years and covers academic fees (for home fee status students only; £5,238 full time for 2026-27 academic year), a yearly stipend (in line with UKRI rates of £21,805 per year for 2026-27), and experimental costs.
