Translational Myeloid Haematology (MDS/AML)
Closing date: 19/06/2026
MB-PhDSummer Placement Project: Translational Myeloid Haematology (MDS/AML)
Lead Supervisors: Dr Justin Loke
Applications Deadline: Friday 19th June 2026
Project Keywords: Myeloid malignancies (MDS/AML); clonal haematopoiesis; translational haematology; haematopoietic stem cells; in vivo CRISPR genome engineering; functional genomics
Research Opportunity: MB-PhD Summer Placement Project
MB-PhD Summer Placement Project Outline
The placement is designed to show how real clinical problems in myeloid disease (risk prediction, progression, treatment resistance) are translated into tractable research questions, and how evidence flows back into molecular diagnostics, trials and patient care.
This 1‑week, in‑person placement provides an immersive introduction to clinical and translational haematology research focused on myeloid malignancies (MDS/AML) at the CRUK Manchester Institute (Paterson Building) and The Christie Hospital.
The student will: (1) observe a haemato‑oncology clinic and multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting to understand patient pathways, unmet needs and how molecular diagnostics guide care; (2) to see how clinical questions are translated into experiments and studies; and (3) if desired, undertake a small, well‑defined mini‑project (e.g., analysis of a de‑identified clinical/genomic dataset or a pilot laboratory task) to learn project scoping, data handling and presentation of findings.
Working arrangements: in person (hybrid working not required for this placement).
Key activities
- Shadow the PI and clinical nurse specialist in haemato‑oncology clinic and attend an MDT meeting.
- Participate in clinical/translational research meetings (study design, sample strategy, data review).
- Attend seminars/journal clubs and meet neighbouring groups to gain exposure to cutting‑edge cancer science.
- Meet clinical research fellows/registrars to discuss clinician‑scientist career routes and training opportunities.
- Optional mini‑project: agree a question, collect/curate a small dataset or perform a pilot assay, and deliver a short presentation/written summary at the end of the week.
About Dr (Justin) Ching Loke (project Lead Supervisor)
Justin Loke is a clinician scientist and Institute Fellow at the CRUK Manchester Institute, where he is establishing his new group Myeloid Cancer Biology. He is a Consultant Haematologist at the Christie NHS Foundation Trust. His specialist interest is in the myeloid blood cancers including acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).
Key information
Find answers to some common questions about our MB-PhD Studentships.
To apply for our MB-Phd Summer Placement Project, you must be:
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A current MBChB student (year 1 or year 2 of the MBChB or year 1 of GEM) at one of the following universities:
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The University of Manchester
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The University of Leeds
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The University of St Andrews (Medicine Manchester Pathway)
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Interested in pursuing a clinical academic career combining medical training with research in Cancer Sciences.
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Available to undertake the summer placement during the specified dates set out in the project details.
If you meet these criteria, we encourage you to apply and explore what a clinical academic career in cancer research could offer you.
Summer research opportunities include lab visits and research placements.
Lab visits will usually be one day in length and might include, but are not limited to: shadowing a staff member/PhD student; attending lab group/journal club meetings; assisting with any applicable experiments.
The length and start date of research placements will be agreed between staff and students, but would usually be one week maximum.
We encourage students to apply for many different opportunities to gauge interest in different supervisory teams.
Travel and accommodation reimbursements can be provided to summer research opportunity students where appropriate, with agreement from Dr Yasmin Noori, Postgraduate Programme Manager. Please apply for relevant opportunities, and we can discuss this post-application.
Students who are interested in any of the below opportunities should send the following details to Dr Yasmin Noori (yasamin.noorijenaghard@manchester.ac.uk) by Friday 19th June 2026:
- Your name
- Institution
- Current year of study
- Are you intending to apply to the MB-Phd programme in future? (Yes/No/Undecided)
- Supervisor preference(s) [use staff members’ names] – please also indicate preference for research placement and/or lab visit with the relevant staff member/s if appropriate
- Supporting statement: 200 words maximum on why you are interested in the opportunities you have selected
Preference is likely to be given to students who are eligible to apply to the MB-PhD in the 2026-2027 recruitment round.
Key dates
- Application deadline: Friday 19th June 2026
- Decisions relayed to students: w/c 29th June 2026
- Start date: By the end of September 2026
Useful Links
MB-PhD Studentships
Find out more about our MB-PhD Studentships which allow you to study a fully-funded PhD alongside your medical degree.
Get in Touch
Contact Dr Yasmin Noori Jenaghard, Postgraduate Programme Manager.
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