The role of TIMP-1 in altering the microenvironment of liver metastases
Closing date: 23/11/2026
Clinical Research Training Fellowship: The role of TIMP-1 in altering the microenvironment of liver metastases
Lead Supervisors: Dr Rebecca Lee
Co-Supervisors: Professor Adam Hurlstone, Professor Samra Turajlic, Dr Kathryn Simpson, Dr Max Nobis
Applications Deadline: 12:00pm Monday 23rd November 2026
Interviews: Friday 5th February 2027 (in Manchester)
Start date: September 2027
Project Keywords: liver metastases, microenvironment, TIMP-1
Research Opportunity: Clinical Research Training Fellowship leading to the award of PhD
Project Outline
The presence of liver metastasis is associated with poor therapy response and prognosis in multiple cancers. This project will examine how a protein called TIMP-1 affects the liver microenvironment resulting in resistance to immune therapy. TIMP-1 has a number of function including extra-cellular matrix degradation and acting as a signalling molecule affecting different immune cells. You will use a variety of state-of-the-art techniques including multiplex immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, analysis of single cell RNA sequencing, complex co-culture systems and in vivo models to address the questions.
We are looking for a hard-working, focused, ambitious person to join our excellent, friendly, inclusive and collaborative team. Our laboratory makes use of a broad range of in vitro and in vivo techniques to study melanoma, with the aim of developing novel therapies for patients. We closely work with clinicians at The Christie Hospital in Manchester as well as groups both in the UK and internationally to access patient samples and data which feed into our work. The fellow would also be able to gain experience in clinical trial delivery. We would be particularly happy to receive applications from individuals with a strong academic track record and/or other laboratory research experience in cancer biology.
Our laboratory believes in diversity of thinking, creativity and providing a supportive, kind, joyful environment in which people can flourish. The project will provide comprehensive training in tumour biology and immunology, pre-clinical models and data analysis positioning the candidate for an exciting future in immunology and cancer biology.
Applications for this project are now open. Please complete your application on The University of Manchester website.
About Dr Rebecca Lee (project Lead Supervisor)
Dr Rebecca Lee is a senior lecturer in medical oncology at The University of Manchester, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust and a Wellcome early career fellow. Her PhD examined precision medicine approaches to melanoma treatment supervised by Professor Richard Marais and Professor Paul Lorigan. This was followed by work examining how local and systemic immune tolerance is induced through interaction between melanoma and cells within the liver microenvironment as a post-doc clinical fellow in the laboratories of Prof Erik Sahai and Prof Mala Maini. She also has developed a number of translational clinical trials aiming to improve outcomes for patients with melanoma. She has now opened her own laboratory at The University of Manchester focusing on tumour-host interactions with a particular interest in liver metastases.
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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