Decoding Myeloid Cell Regulation of Cancer Metastasis and Therapeutic Response

Overview

This project aims to decode the diverse roles of myeloid cells within tumour microenvironments, particularly in pancreatic cancer. Using cutting-edge, multidisciplinary approaches, it will uncover how these cells influence disease progression and treatment response, driving new strategies for more effective, personalised cancer therapies.

About this opportunity

Solid tumours are heavily infiltrated by myeloid cells, highly adaptable immune cells that play critical and sometimes opposing roles in cancer progression. Distinct myeloid cell populations can either suppress or promote tumour growth, influence metastatic spread, and shape how tumours respond to therapy. Understanding this functional diversity is key to unlocking more effective treatments.

This PhD project will investigate the molecular and cellular mechanisms that govern myeloid cell behaviour within the tumour microenvironment, with a particular focus on hard-to-treat cancers such as pancreatic cancer. The successful candidate will explore how myeloid cell states are established, how they evolve during disease progression, and how they impact therapeutic outcomes.

The project offers training in cutting-edge, multidisciplinary approaches, including single-cell RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, flow and mass cytometry, proteomics, advanced imaging, and bioinformatics. Research will integrate pre-clinical models with analysis of patient-derived samples, providing strong translational relevance.

You will join a collaborative and supportive research environment, gaining expertise in tumour immunology, systems biology, and data-driven approaches to cancer research. This project is ideal for candidates interested in bridging fundamental cell biology/immunology with clinical impact.

For more information about our research interests please visit our lab website: www.livtme.com

Who is this for?

Candidate Requirements

Essential:

A minimum of a 2:1 (Upper Second Class) undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, or a related discipline
Strong interest in cancer biology, immunology, or tumour microenvironment research
Excellent analytical, organisational, and communication skills

Desirable:

An MSc in Cancer Biology, Immunology, Cell Biology, or a related field
Previous laboratory experience (e.g. research project, internship, or technician role)
Familiarity with molecular biology, immunological techniques, and/or computational analysis

How to apply

1. Contact supervisors

Supervisors	Email address	Staff profile URL
Professor Ainhoa Mielgo	amielgo@liverpool.ac.uk	Professor Ainhoa Mielgo Iza \| Our people \| University of Liverpool
Professor Michael Schmid	mschmid@liverpool.ac.uk	Professor Michael Schmid \| Our people \| University of Liverpool

2. Prepare your application documents

The project is open to international students but candidates must secure their own financial support (e.g. self-funding or an external PhD fellowship).

Support can be provided to applicants applying for competitive international funding schemes (e.g. Commonwealth Scholarships, Chinese Scholarship Council, or similar).

Interested candidates fulfilling the requirements should email their CV with a cover letter to: amielgo@liverpool.ac.uk

Applications will be reviewed before applicants are asked to submit a formal application through the University of Liverpool Application Portal.
3. Apply

Finally, register and apply online. You'll receive an email acknowledgment once you've submitted your application. We'll be in touch with further details about what happens next.

Funding your PhD

The project is open to international students but candidates must secure their own financial support (e.g. self-funding or an external PhD fellowship).

Support can be provided to applicants applying for competitive international funding schemes (e.g. Commonwealth Scholarships, Chinese Scholarship Council, or similar).

Successful candidates will be responsible for covering tuition fees, living expenses, and, where applicable, contributing to research costs.

If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Doctoral Loan worth up to £30,301 to help with course fees and living costs.

There’s also a variety of alternative sources of funding. These include funded research opportunities and financial support from UK research councils, charities and trusts. Your supervisor may be able to help you secure funding.

We've set the country or region your qualifications are from as United Kingdom.

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition fees and living expenses.

Duncan Norman Research Scholarship

If you’re awarded this prestigious scholarship, you’ll receive significant funding to support your postgraduate research. This includes full payment of your PhD fees and a cash bursary of £23,000 per year while you study. One award is available in each academic year.

John Lennon Memorial Scholarship

If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for financial support worth up to £12,000 per year for up to three years of full-time postgraduate research (or up to five years part-time pro-rata).

Sport Liverpool Performance Programme

Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.

Discover our full range of scholarships and bursaries.

Contact us

Have a question about this research opportunity or studying a PhD with us? Please get in touch with us, using the contact details below, and we’ll be happy to assist you.

Prof A Mielgo