Cancer biology

Qualifications	Duration	Start dates	Application period
PhD (MPhil also available)	Full-time: 3–4 years Part-time: 6–8 years	February and October	January to April

Qualifications
PhD (MPhil also available)

Duration
Full-time: 3–4 years
Part-time: 6–8 years

Start dates
February and October

Application period
January to April

Exhibiting the core values of The Open University, the Cancer Group is ‘open to people, places, methods and ideas.’ Our work encompasses a wide range of disciplines applied to cancer, including: molecular biology, chemistry, physics, technology, bioinformatics, engineering, social sciences and education. We also work with world-leading research institutes, (including our Affiliated Research Centres), universities, hospitals, businesses and organisations.

Areas of specific focus include: cancer cell biology (bioinformatics and wet lab work), diagnostics, experimental therapeutics, patient support and care. Specifically, we use a variety of bioinformatic tools to identify novel functional and prognostic genes and variants, particularly regulatory networks. We use state-of-the-art genomic and wet lab techniques to investigate the mechanistic role of non-coding RNAs and epigenetic effectors in cancer initiation and progression. We develop novel radiosensitisers and photosensitisers for cancer treatments. We work to improve cancer care in Africa.

The Group comprises around 20 faculty, technical support and research students, plus a variety of external members. We are always interested in collaborations.

Entry requirements

Minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent). If you are not a UK citizen, you may need to prove your knowledge of English.

Potential research projects

Studying the key genes driving Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma
Bioinformatics approaches to breast cancer
Novel bioinformatics algorithms, especially related to single cell RNA sequencing
Novel photodynamic therapy for skin cancers