Early detection and therapeutic interception of KRAS-mutant pre-cancerous lung lesions
Closing date: 23/11/2026
Clinical Research Training Fellowship: Early detection and therapeutic interception of KRAS-mutant pre-cancerous lung lesions
Lead Supervisors: Professor Angeliki Malliri
Co-Supervisors: Dr William McDaid, Professor Colin Lindsay
Applications Deadline: 12:00pm Monday 23rd November 2026
Interviews: Friday 5th February 2027 (in Manchester)
Start date: September 2027
Project Keywords: lung Cancer, RAS, early detection
Research Opportunity: Clinical Research Training Fellowship leading to the award of PhD
Project Outline
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide, largely because many patients are diagnosed after the disease has already become advanced and difficult to treat. The most common type, non-small cell lung cancer, is frequently driven by mutations in a gene called KRAS. These mutations occur early, before a tumour has fully developed, creating an opportunity to detect and treat the disease before it becomes life-threatening.
This project aims to improve both the early detection and early treatment of KRAS-mutant lung cancer. Current screening methods, such as CT scans, can reduce deaths but have limitations, including false-positive results and radiation exposure. Blood tests to detect tumour DNA are a promising alternative, but very early lung lesions may release only tiny amounts, suggesting that alternative testing methods are needed.
We will investigate whether proteins released by early KRAS-mutant cells can provide a more sensitive blood-based test. We will also test new drugs called RAS(ON) inhibitors, which block the signals that allow KRAS-mutant cells to survive and proliferate. Our early laboratory results suggest that these drugs may be particularly effective against newly emerging KRAS-mutant lung cells. Using mouse models that develop early KRAS-driven lung lesions, we will test whether these drugs can prevent or delay tumour formation.
In the long term, this work could support a new prevention strategy: finding small high-risk lung lesions through a non-invasive multi-detecting blood test and treating them before they progress to invasive cancer
Applications for this project are now open. Please complete your application on The University of Manchester website.
About Professor Angeliki Malliri (project Lead Supervisor)
My laboratory is interested in understanding signalling downstream of different KRAS mutations leading to the formation and progression of lung adenocarcinoma. We are also investigating small-cell lung cancer and, in particular, trying to understand the molecular mechanisms leading to plasticity in this cancer, which underpins its very metastatic nature.
Key information
Before submitting an application, please ensure you have read the information below about the funding arrangements and eligibility for our Clinical Research Training Fellowships.
We also encourage you to get in contact with the lead supervisor to discuss the project and any particulars.
Further information is available on the Clinical Research Training Fellowships webpage.
The clinical fellowships are usually tenable for three years, although in certain circumstances they may be four years duration. The Fellowship covers:
- running expenses,
- an appropriate salary in line with the applicant’s current NHS salary and grade
- full coverage of University PhD fees at the UK/home fee rate.
International Candidates
The University of Manchester aims to support the most outstanding applicants from outside the UK.
We are able to offer a limited number of bursaries to high-performing EU and international candidates, covering PhD fees only. Bursaries do not include financial support for visa/health surcharges.
We assess each EU and international candidate’s suitability for a bursary at the application and interview stages.
You must be a post-registration clinician, and ideally have a specialist post in a related subject, to apply for our Clinical Research Training Fellowships.
Applicants must hold an MBChB degree or an equivalent medical qualification. You should also hold, or be about to obtain, a minimum upper second class (or equivalent) undergraduate degree in a relevant subject. A related master’s degree would be an advantage.
It is generally expected that CRTFs will return to a training programme in the UK upon completion of their research degree.
International applicants (including EU nationals) must ensure they meet the academic eligibility criteria (including English Language) before contacting potential supervisors to express an interest in their project. Eligibility information can be found on the University’s Country Specific information page.
Applications for this programme are now open. Please submit your application on The University of Manchester application portal.
Key dates
- Applications open: Monday 5th October 2026
- Application deadline (all projects): 12:00pm Monday 23rd November 2026
- Clinical Interviews: Friday 5th of February 2027 (in Manchester)
- Start date: September 2027 with flexible starts for clinicians
Useful Links
Submit your application
Interested in applying for this opportunity? Submit your application on The University of Manchester application portal.
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