PhD Studentship: Richard Elphick Studentship in Modelling Progression Risks in Barrett's Oesophagus

Applications are invited for the Richard Elphick Studentship, a fully funded PhD studentship at Trinity College, established by friends and family in memory of Richard. The successful candidate will undertake research on "Modelling progression risks in Barrett's oesophagus" under the supervision of Professor Rebecca Fitzgerald (Department of Oncology) and Professor Nora Pashayan (Department of Public Health and Primary Care).

This is an opportunity to work with Professor Fitzgerald and her research group, who are internationally renowned for their work on Barrett's oesophagus including the development of a novel, non-endoscopic capsule sponge test, and Professor Pashayan's research group who are leading in quantitative methods to develop risk-based approaches to cancer screening.

Project Outline: 

Oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC), the most common oesophageal cancer in the UK and US, has a 5-year survival rate below 20%, though outcomes improve with early detection. Barrett's oesophagus, an asymptomatic precursor, is monitored to detect and treat dysplasia before cancer develops or to identify cancer at an earlier stage. However, most cases remain undiagnosed. The Cytosponge, developed by Prof Fitzgerald's lab, offers a cheaper, GP-based alternative to endoscopy, increasing Barrett's detection and the number of people entering surveillance. 

This project will use large multicentre datasets to develop a Markov multistate model of Barrett's oesophagus progression, estimating transition risks and incorporating patient and disease factors to predict individual cancer risk and personalise surveillance intervals. 

Microsimulation studies will compare fixed and risk-based surveillance strategies and evaluate endoscopy versus Cytosponge-based approaches. Findings will be translated into a clinical decision-support and visualisation tool that communicates personalised progression risk and supports tailored surveillance recommendations for patients and clinicians. 

Eligibility and Funding:

Applications are welcomed from UK and Overseas candidates who meet the entry requirements for the PhD in Oncology.

The studentship will commence in the 2027-28 academic year and will provide full funding for 3.5 years, including tuition fees at either the UK Home or Overseas rate, a maintenance stipend at the applicable UKRI rate, and a research emolument. More details of the funding amounts can be found on the University's postgraduate funding webpages and the Trinity College website.

How to Apply

Applicants should apply for the PhD in Oncology via the University's Applicant Portal (via the above 'Apply' button) and enter the project title and supervisor(s)' names in the relevant section of the application form. In their statement of interest, applicants should demonstrate how their skills align with the requirements of the project. A research proposal is not required for this application; however, to satisfy system requirements, applicants should upload a blank document in the designated research proposal section.

Applicants must select "Yes - I wish to be considered for funding" within the application and choose the Richard Elphick Studentship from the list of available funding opportunities and complete any additional questions.

Applicants are advised to indicate Trinity as the College of first preference on their application to the University.

Further Information

Enquiries regarding the research project, application process or the PhD in Oncology should be directed to the Postgraduate Administration Team, Department of Oncology (email: postgradadmin@oncology.cam.ac.uk)

Enquiries relating to the Richard Elphick Studentship should be directed to Trinity College (email: gradfunding@trin.cam.ac.uk). 

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.