Molecular déjà vu: understanding RNA and DNA biology for precision therapy in AML
Closing date: 23/11/2026
Non-Clinical Studentship Project: Molecular déjà vu: understanding RNA and DNA biology for precision therapy in AML
Lead Supervisors: Dr John Knight
Co-Supervisors: Dr Kiran Batta, Dr Daniel Wiseman
Applications Deadline: 12:00pm Monday 23rd November 2026
Interviews: Friday 5th February 2027 (in Manchester)
Start date: September 2027
Project Keywords: AML, RNA biology, chemotherapies
Research Opportunity: Non-Clinical Studentship leading to the award of PhD
Project Outline
Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) is the most common form of leukaemia in adults with over 3,000 new diagnoses per year in the UK. Currently the management of AML relies heavily on antimetabolite chemotherapies. These compounds are structurally similar to the normal cellular metabolites cells use to make RNA and DNA. Antimetabolites were rationally designed in the mid-20th century based on observations that tumour cells require high levels of the metabolites used to build RNA and DNA. Thus, antimetabolites work by being incorporated into RNA or DNA, leading to dysregulation and cell death. Within this broad mechanism of action lies still unknown molecular details that determine cell responses to antimetabolite chemotherapy. Unlocking these details will generate RNA- or DNA-centred drug targets with defined disease positioning against AML.
AML has heterogenous genetic causes. However, there is a convergence of mutations in genes whose protein products impact either RNA or DNA biology. This knowledge and recent functional genomics and molecular analyses have all fuelled studies into RNA as a target for new therapeutics against AML. This molecular déjà vu, rediscovering RNA and DNA to be targetable in AML, has led to successful clinical trials targeting RNA modifications. Targeting RNA should lead to fewer long-term effects from DNA targeting agents, which are known to be mutagenic. There is a need to precisely understand RNA and DNA biology in AML to power precision medicine and position RNA therapeutics to treat specific subtypes of the disease.
This studentship aims to define the RNA and DNA changes associated with specific mutations in AML. We will also define and then learn from the precise molecular targets of the antimetabolite therapies administered to AML patients. The student will discover new knowledge while developing experimental skills and expertise in both cancer and nucleic acid biology.
Applications for this project are now open. Please complete your application on The University of Manchester website.
About Dr John Knight (project Lead Supervisor)
“I completed my PhD at the University of York with Prof Jo Milner, investigating post-translational regulation of p53, cancer metabolism and ribosome biogenesis. I then moved to the group of Prof Anne Willis at the MRC Toxicology Unit in Leicester. There I worked on projects investigating the dysfunction of the protein synthesis in sub-physiological conditions and disease. I developed methods for the assessment of the rates of translation elongation and proposed a model for how changes in elongation speed can alter the global proteome. Having collaborated with the Sansom group during my time in Leicester, I then moved to Glasgow to work on projects looking at the role of KRAS in generating drug resistance in colorectal cancer.
Since 2022, I have been a Lecturer in the Division of Cancer Sciences leading research programmes identifying methods to improve colorectal cancer treatment and patient stratification. Our work is supported by the University of Manchester, The Royal Society and the Lister Institute of Preventative Medicine. I am a discovery scientist and take a highly collaborative approach to my work, working with clinical and industrial partners.”
Key information
Before submitting an application, please ensure you have read the information below about the funding arrangements and eligibility for Non-Clinical Studentships.
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 Non-Clinical PhD Studentships webpage.
Our Non-Clinical PhD Studentships are usually funded for four years, with funding covering:
- Project running costs
- University tuition fees university tuition fees (at the UK rate, with some scholarships available for high-performing EU/International candidates)
- An annual stipend of £22,500 to help with living costs
Studentships are highly competitive and so we encourage you to contact any supervisors who you are interested in working with before applying for our Non- Clinical PhD Studentships.
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 hold, or be about to achieve, a First or Upper Second-class honours degree in a relevant subject. A related Master’s degree is also an advantage.
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
- Non-Clinical Interviews: Friday 15th January 2027 (in Manchester)
- Start date: September 2027
Useful Links
Submit your application
Interested in applying for this opportunity? Submit your application on The University of Manchester application portal.
Non-Clinical PhD Studentships
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