PhD Studentship
Supervisors: Anne E. Willis and Ritwick Sawarkar (MRC Toxicology Unit), Giandomenico Turchiano and Roberto Nitsch (AstraZeneca)
PhD Studentship: Enhancing Genome Editing Efficiency and Stability through Analysis of DNA Mobility Post-Double Strand Breaks
Applications are invited for a 3.5 year PhD studentship based within the MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, with extended industry experience at AstraZeneca (Cambridge, UK). The student will be working on a collaborative project jointly supervised by Anne E. Willis and Ritwick Sawarkar (MRC Toxicology Unit), Giandomenico Turchiano and Roberto Nitsch (AstraZeneca).
We are seeking a highly motivated individual to undertake a combined experimental/computational project on CRISPR/ Cas9-related therapeutics using human models. This is a mixed wet/dry lab project combining human cell genomics, microscopy and sequencing-based approaches. The purpose of the studentship is to apply molecular cell biology approaches to (i) understand mechanisms of CRISPR off-targets and (ii) advance the scientific understanding of DNA mobility post-double strand breaks.
This studentship offers a unique training opportunity for engagement with leading academic and industry partners to understand the mechanism by which CRISPR therapeutics may cause genomics off-targeting. Rotating between laboratories at the University of Cambridge and AstraZeneca the student will gain experience in a breadth of experimental and analytical techniques, including: molecular biology, cell culture, microscopic assays, DNA sequencing, and statistical data analyses.
Applicants should have or shortly expect to obtain a first or good upper second-class degree from a UK university, or an equivalent standard from an overseas university, in a relevant subject such as Biomedical Science. Strong analytical skills, in addition to creativity, curiosity, enthusiasm, and the ability to work in a team are essential.
This studentship is open to UK citizens or overseas students who meet the UK residency requirements (home fees) or are able to augment the funds to cover the extra costs associated with international student fees. Full details of the University's entrance requirements are specified here: http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/application-process/entry-requirements.
REFERENCES: 1) 1. Turchiano et al. Quantitative evaluation of chromosomal rearrangements in gene-edited human stem cells by CAST-Seq. Cell Stem Cell 2021 2) Selvaraj et al. High-efficiency transgene integration by homology-directed repair in human primary cells using DNA-PKcs inhibition. Nat. Biotech. 2024
All formal applications will need to be made through the University Application Portal: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/bltopdtox
Your online application must include a CV (including full details of all University course grades to date), contact details for two academic or professional referees and a personal statement of interest.
Full funding covering Maintenance and the University Composition Fee (Home Fee rate) is provided for the studentship, with effect from 1 October 2025.
If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact hradmin@mrc-tox.cam.ac.uk
Further information can be found on our website: https://www.mrc-tox.cam.ac.uk
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.