Shaping early post-transplant inflammation to strengthen graft-versusleukaemia
Closing date: 23/11/2026
Clinical Research Training Fellowship: Shaping early post-transplant inflammation to strengthen graft-versusleukaemia
Lead Supervisors: Dr Mark Williams
Co-Supervisors: Professor Rob Wynn, Professor Tim Somervaille
Applications Deadline: 12:00pm Monday 23rd November 2026
Interviews: Friday 5th February 2027 (in Manchester)
Start date: September 2027
Project Keywords: Leukaemia, transplantation, inflammation
Research Opportunity: Clinical Research Training Fellowship leading to the award of PhD
Project Outline
Allogeneic stem cell transplantation is the only cure for most patients with high-risk acute myeloid leukaemia. It works because donor immune cells recognise and destroy residual leukaemia, an effect known as graft-versus-leukaemia (GvL). Yet relapse remains the commonest cause of death after transplant, and we still have no way to measure or strengthen GvL before the disease returns. The first two weeks after transplant are emerging as a decisive window, when donor T cells first encounter the patient’s tissues and any remaining leukaemia against a backdrop of intense inflammation.
The successful student will investigate how this early inflammatory environment shapes the developing anti-leukaemic response, and how it can be harnessed to favour GvL over harmful alloreactivity that damages healthy tissues.The project draws on two exceptional and already-funded resources: PM-SCT, a study that has banked plasma and immune cells from 226 transplant recipients at eight timepoints, and GRACE, a new clinical trial that deliberately boosts early inflammation to strengthen GvL. Using leading-edge plasma proteomics, high-dimensional immune profiling, and single-cell analysis of leukaemiareactive T cells, the student will build the most detailed picture yet of how early inflammation determines transplant success.
The student will receive broad, hands-on training in cutting-edge discovery and computational platforms, working alongside clinicians, immunologists and informaticians within a translational research programme closely linked to the clinic. This is an outstanding opportunity for an ambitious candidate seeking the technical breadth, scientific independence and clinical relevance needed to launch a career as a clinician scientist or cancer immunologist.
Applications for this project are now open. Please complete your application on The University of Manchester website.
About Dr Mark Williams (project Lead Supervisor)
Mark Williams obtained his medical degree from the University of Cambridge before moving to Manchester for clinical training in Haematology. He joined the CRUK Manchester Institute in 2015, undertaking a PhD in leukaemia biology and epigenetics with Professor Tim Somervaille. In 2020, Mark was awarded a University of Manchester Presidential Fellowship to develop a research programme that combined his doctoral experience of leukaemia biology and epigenetics with his clinical interest in haematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
In 2022, Mark was awarded an MRC Clinician Scientist Fellowship. He is an Honorary Consultant in Haematology at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, with a practice in stem cell transplantation. His research aims to understand the mechanisms that allow leukaemia to evade the donor immune system leading to post–transplant relapse and to develop novel therapeutic approaches for relapse prevention and treatment. Mark also leads an MCRC Town Hall project to develop novel biomarkers that predict transplant outcomes.
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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