The University of Cambridge, United Kingdom, is inviting applications for the Richard Elphick Studentship, a fully funded PhD opportunity in the Department of Oncology, affiliated with Trinity College. Open to UK, EU, and international applicants, this 3.5-year studentship focuses on developing statistical models to predict cancer progression risks in Barrett’s oesophagus and improve personalized cancer surveillance strategies.
Important Dates / Deadline
- Application Deadline: December 8, 2026
- Program Start: Academic year 2027-2028
- Funding Duration: 3.5 years
- Reference Number: RD51277
Organization
- University: University of Cambridge
- Department: Department of Oncology
- College: Trinity College
- Program: PhD in Oncology
- Studentship: Richard Elphick Studentship
- Research Supervisors:
- Professor Rebecca Fitzgerald, Department of Oncology
- Professor Nora Pashayan, Department of Public Health and Primary Care
Location / Study Destination
Cambridge, United Kingdom. The studentship is a full-time PhD research program at the University of Cambridge, associated with Trinity College.
Who Can Apply
- UK students
- EU students
- International students from overseas
- Applicants who meet the University of Cambridge’s entry requirements for the PhD in Oncology
- Candidates whose academic and research skills align with the proposed project
Key Benefits / Funding
The Richard Elphick Studentship provides full funding for 3.5 years, including:
- Full tuition fee coverage at either the UK Home or Overseas rate.
- A maintenance stipend at the applicable UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) rate.
- A research emolument to support research-related activities.
- Opportunities to conduct research under internationally recognized researchers in cancer detection, epidemiology, and quantitative risk modeling.
Main Requirements
Applicants must meet the academic entry requirements for the PhD in Oncology and demonstrate how their skills align with the research project.
The selected PhD candidate will conduct research on Modelling Progression Risks in Barrett’s Oesophagus, including:
- Using large multicenter datasets to investigate the progression of Barrett’s oesophagus toward oesophageal adenocarcinoma.
- Developing a Markov multistate model to estimate disease progression and transition risks.
- Incorporating patient characteristics and disease-related factors into individualized cancer risk predictions.
- Conducting microsimulation studies to compare fixed and risk-based surveillance strategies.
- Evaluating endoscopy and Cytosponge-based surveillance approaches.
- Developing a clinical decision-support and visualization tool to communicate personalized progression risks and support tailored surveillance recommendations.
The project combines quantitative modeling, cancer epidemiology, clinical risk prediction, and personalized surveillance research.
How to Apply
- Apply for the PhD in Oncology through the University of Cambridge Applicant Portal. https://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/DTD316/phd-studentship-richard-elphick-studentship-in-modelling-progression-risks-in-barretts-oesophagus
- Enter the project title, “Modelling progression risks in Barrett’s oesophagus,” and the supervisors’ names in the relevant application fields.
- Prepare a statement of interest explaining how your academic background, research experience, and skills align with the project.
- Select “Yes – I wish to be considered for funding” in the application.
- Choose the Richard Elphick Studentship from the available funding opportunities.
- Complete any additional funding-related questions.
- Indicate Trinity College as your first college preference, as advised by the University.
- Submit the application before December 8, 2026.
Documents Needed
- Statement of Interest: Explain how your skills and experience align with the research project.
- Research Proposal Upload: A research proposal is not required. However, applicants must upload a blank document in the designated research proposal section to satisfy the application system requirements.
- Additional Application Materials: Complete the documentation required through the University’s PhD in Oncology application process.
Important Notes
- The studentship is open to both UK and overseas applicants.
- Tuition fees are covered at the applicable Home or Overseas rate.
- The studentship was established by friends and family in memory of Richard Elphick.
- The project involves collaboration between research groups specializing in Barrett’s oesophagus, early cancer detection, and quantitative cancer screening.
- Applicants should select the Richard Elphick Studentship specifically when completing the funding section of their application.
- Trinity College is recommended as the applicant’s first college preference.