Unravelling mechanisms regulating macrophage efferocytosis in kidney cancer.
University of York
Closing date: 30 April 2026
This fully-funded PhD project is ideal for candidates who have interest in immunology and cancer. The focus will be on clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), the most common kidney cancer and the 6th most frequently diagnosed cancer. Due to its exceptional heterogeneity, ccRCC is resistant to conventional therapies and different genotypes significantly affect prognosis. ccRCC tumours contain one of the highest percentages of tumour-infiltrating immune cells amongst all cancer types. Despite the advances in the treatment options, key knowledge gaps in the immunoregulation of ccRCC and disease severity remain. The specialised form of macrophage phagocytosis of apoptotic cells termed as efferocytosis promotes tumour growth.
The supervisors have already demonstrated that immune regulators regulate efferocytosis-mediated disease pathophysiology (Kourtzelis et al, Nat.Immunol 2019, Chatzis et al, eLife 2025). Successful applicant will have access to a world-leading research environment and will be supervised by a team of immunologists (Kourtzelis, Lagos) and clinicians (Vasudev). They have significant basic and clinical science expertise and track record in the study of anti-tumour immunity (CELL 2020, eLife 2025, Cancer Discov. 2025, J Biol Chem. 2022, Genome Res. 2024, J Clin Oncol. 2024.
Using advanced cell co-culture models with human cells, cutting-edge real time imaging and immunological techniques combined with the analysis of clinical samples and human ccRCC transcriptome datasets, you will first explore how interactions between cancer cells and immune cells are shaped in order to harness cancer development.
Importantly, the mechanisms explored here may be relevant to pathologies beyond the context of ccRCC. This project builds on and extends the existing critical mass in immunology and cancer in the York Biomedical Research Institute.
We anticipate that you will graduate with strong laboratory and transferrable skills and clear understanding of how these can be applied to develop the discovery of advanced therapeutics for cancer.
Location and Research Culture
The student will join a dynamic research team within the Experimental Medicine and Biomedicine group at Hull York Medical School at the University of York.
Hull York Medical School’s unique partnership brings together the expertise of both the Universities of Hull and York and offers a thriving environment in which to conduct world-leading research. Strong partnerships with NHS Trusts and community health organisations offer a wide clinical base within which to study those conditions, which most affect our communities – improving their health while developing research work that can be applied nationally and globally.
The School’s academic and clinical researchers at have a strong reputation for their work, 85% of which is classed as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ (REF 2014). Their research is advancing improvements in healthcare – treatment, diagnosis and care – improving the health of people locally and impacting national and international health agendas in areas such as cancer research, palliative medicine, mental health and global public health.
Research of the supervisory team is a key component of the York Biomedical Research Institute. You will be part of a vibrant post-graduate community within the medical school but also interacting with students from other PhD Programmes at the University of York. You will have access to the University of York Biosciences Technology Facility, allowing the use of cutting-edge equipment to support the research as needed for the project (e.g. imaging, bioinformatics etc.) You will be supported by a thesis advisory panel, and will follow a training programme on transferable and research skills.
Start Date
15 September 2026
Qualification Required
Specific knowledge or skills required. Any additional requirements/personal specifications.
In order to qualify for this scholarship, you will require an undergraduate degree with at least a 2.1, or equivalent, in a relevant subject. English Language IELTS 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
All applications MUST BE submitted to Hull York Medical School via the online application method choosing option PhD in Medical Sciences 2025 2026 September, full time or part time
Apply here
In order for the Panel to get a sense of your academic background, commitment and interest, you are required to complete the application form in full and provide a research proposal/outline of academic interest. Research proposals and personal statements may be used in selecting applicants for interview. If you have any queries on how to apply please email [Email Address Removed].
Please note that this is a student scholarship. If you will be employed by HYMS (e.g. on a fixed or short term contract) for the duration of your study, you will not be eligible to receive the student scholarship as a member of HYMS staff.
Interviews
Applicants who are shortlisted for interview will be contacted via email. If you are not invited for the interview, it means that your application has not been successful. Please note that we do not offer feedback to applicants who are not invited to the interview.
Funding Notes
This 3.5 year full-time UK PhD studentship will be funded by the Kidney Research UK for 3.5 years, depending on satisfactory progress. The funding will include:
Tax-free annual UKRI stipend (£21,805 for 2026/27 academic year)
UK tuition fees at the ‘home' student rate.
Research support and training charges, covering laboratory consumables and training costs.