The Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute is inviting applications for its PhD opportunity in Skin Cancer and Ageing for the October 2027 intake. The research project, titled “Aged Immune Failure and Reversal,” offers an opportunity for aspiring scientists to investigate how ageing affects immune function and influences cancer progression, with a particular focus on melanoma and antitumour immunity.
The studentship is based in Manchester, United Kingdom, within the Skin Cancer and Ageing research group. Applications are open to academically strong candidates with relevant undergraduate qualifications and an interest in cancer research. Applicants should submit their applications by 6 November 2026 at 5:00 PM GMT.
About the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute
The Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute is a leading cancer research centre within the University of Manchester. Supported by Cancer Research UK, the institute conducts research spanning the molecular and cellular mechanisms of cancer, translational science and the development of new therapeutic approaches.
Its partnership with The Christie NHS Foundation Trust provides an environment that connects scientific research with clinical expertise and cancer treatment. Postgraduate students benefit from a supportive research setting, specialised scientific supervision and training designed to strengthen their research capabilities and future career prospects.
PhD Studentship Details
Project title: Aged Immune Failure and Reversal
Institution: Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, University of Manchester
Research group: Skin Cancer and Ageing
Location: Manchester, United Kingdom
Intake: October 2027
Principal supervisor: Professor Amaya Virós
Co-supervisor: Dr Jonathan Worboys
Application deadline: 6 November 2026, 5:00 PM GMT
Research focus: Ageing, lipid biology, immune function, melanoma and cancer immunosurveillance.
About the Research Project
The project will investigate how ageing changes the lipid composition of the body’s extracellular environment and how these changes affect the immune system’s ability to recognise and respond to cancer.
Lipids are essential biological molecules that contribute to cellular structure, signalling and immune regulation. Their composition can influence how immune cells respond to external signals, including those involved in recognising and eliminating tumour cells.
The research will examine how differences in lipid environments across organs affect cancer invasion, metastatic spread and immune responses. It will also investigate how ageing alters these environments and whether modifying lipid composition could help restore immune competence.
The findings could contribute to a better understanding of why cancer outcomes and metastatic patterns differ with age, potentially informing the development of more personalised approaches to melanoma treatment.
Key Research Objectives
The successful PhD researcher will investigate how ageing influences systemic and organ-specific lipid environments and the consequences for immune function.
The project will involve mapping changes in lipid composition across tissues using lipidomics, lipoprotein fractionation and spatial research techniques, including super-resolution microscopy.
Particular attention will be given to lipid species and classes that influence T-cell activation and the quality of immune responses. The research will also explore how aged lipid environments affect innate and adaptive immunity more broadly.
In addition, the researcher will use in vivo approaches to modify lipid composition and investigate whether immune competence and antitumour responses can be restored.
These objectives will help establish connections between ageing, lipid biology, immune dysfunction and tumour immunosurveillance.
Supervision and Research Environment
Professor Amaya Virós leads the Skin Cancer and Ageing research group and is an Honorary Consultant in Dermatology at Salford NHS Foundation Trust. Her research focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind melanoma progression and metastasis in ageing patients, with the goal of developing therapeutic approaches tailored to age and metastatic disease.
Dr Jonathan Worboys, based at the Lydia Becker Institute at the University of Manchester, will provide co-supervision, particularly in relation to the project’s spatial research approaches.
The Skin Cancer and Ageing group investigates how host-specific factors and the environments of different organs influence melanoma progression and treatment outcomes. Its wider research aims to identify vulnerabilities that could be targeted to reduce relapse and improve patient outcomes.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should hold, or expect to graduate with, a First-Class or minimum Upper Second-Class undergraduate honours degree, or an equivalent qualification from a non-UK university, in a relevant subject.
A strong academic record is expected. Master’s-level study and/or other laboratory research experience in cancer is advantageous, although laboratory research experience is not a conditional requirement for submitting an application.
Candidates should demonstrate an interest in cancer biology, immunology, ageing, lipid research or related scientific disciplines. Applicants with international qualifications should ensure their academic credentials meet the institute’s equivalency requirements.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must complete the online application through the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute’s official PhD Student Recruitment portal.
Applicants should review the project information and application requirements carefully before submitting their details. An equality, diversity and inclusion monitoring form is also required as part of the process. The institute states that this information is kept separate from the selection process.
All applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM GMT on 6 November 2026.
Official Application Link
Apply through the official Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute website:
Applicants should locate the “Aged Immune Failure and Reversal” PhD opportunity and follow the official application instructions.
