Development and validation of a transcriptomic and genomic signature of acquired radioresistance in muscle-invasive bladder cancer
Closing date: 23/11/2026
Clinical Research Training Fellowship: Development and validation of a transcriptomic and genomic signature of acquired radioresistance in muscle-invasive bladder cancer
Lead Supervisors: Professor Ananya Choudhury
Co-Supervisors: Dr Luisa Vanesa Biolatti, Dr Amen Shamin, Professor Peter Hoskin, Professor Ludwig Dubois
Applications Deadline: 12:00pm Monday 23rd November 2026
Interviews: Friday 5th February 2027 (in Manchester)
Start date: September 2027
Project Keywords: bladder, radiosensitivity, biomarker
Research Opportunity: Clinical Research Training Fellowship leading to the award of PhD
Project Outline
Bladder cancer affects around 614,000 people worldwide each year. Muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) is the most aggressive form of the disease and can be difficult to treat. Patients are usually offered either surgery to remove the bladder or radiotherapy. Unlike surgery, radiotherapy can preserve the bladder and help maintain quality of life. However, approximately one-third of patients experience their cancer returning after radiotherapy. Currently, we do not have a reliable way of identifying which patients are most likely to benefit from radiotherapy.
This PhD project aims to understand why some bladder cancers are resistant to radiotherapy. The successful candidate will use unique laboratory models of radiotherapy-resistant bladder cancer developed within our group, to investigate the biological changes that allow some cancers to survive treatment. They will use advanced techniques to study changes in genes and gene activity within cancer cells. A particular focus will be on tumour hypoxia (areas of low oxygen levels within tumours), which can make radiotherapy less effective.
The project will combine laboratory research with the analysis of data and tumour samples from major clinical trials, to identify biological markers that could help predict whether a patient’s cancer is likely to respond to radiotherapy. The fellow will gain experience in cancer biology, molecular profiling, bioinformatics, biomarker discovery, and translational research, working within a multidisciplinary team of laboratory scientists, clinicians and computational biologists. This provides excellent training for a future career in clinical academia.
The long-term goal of this research is to develop biomarkers that will help doctors select the most effective treatment for each patient. By optimising the use of bladder-preserving radiotherapy, this work has the potential to reduce cancer recurrence and spare patients from unnecessary treatment, potentially improving both survival and quality of life for people with bladder cancer.
Applications for this project are now open. Please complete your application on The University of Manchester website.
About Professor Ananya Choudhury (project Lead Supervisor)
Professor Choudhury is Chair and Honorary Consultant in Clinical Oncology. She joined The Christie in 2008 specialising in urology and sarcoma and has a strong interest in translational research. In 2013, she decided to focus on radiotherapy-related research in prostate and bladder cancers. She is clinical lead for advanced radiotherapy, including the MRLinac project, and is co-Group Leader of The Translational Radiobiology Group within the Division of Cancer Sciences. Professor Choudhury currently undertakes research which aims to optimise and personalise radiotherapy using new techniques or imaging technology to deliver high doses of radiotherapy while minimising side effects and predictive biomarkers to determine which patients benefit from different treatments.
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.
Clinical Research Training Fellowships
Discover our various opportunities for clinicians looking to undertake a period of PhD training in a cancer-relevant field.
Get in Touch
Contact Dr Yasmin Noori Jenaghard, Postgraduate Programme Manager.
Researcher Stories
Read first-hand experiences of from cancer scientists from across Manchester.
Why Manchester?
Find out why postgraduate students choose to study in Manchester.
A Day in the Life of a Clinical PhD Student
Watch our short video to see what it's like to be a Clinical Research Training Fellow in Manchester.