Funded PhD: Functional precision medicine approaches to guide targeted treatments in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia

The project will investigate novel therapeutic strategies for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia, as part of the Precision Oncology Ireland (POI) programme.

A fully funded four-year PhD position is available in the Targeted Therapeutics Lab under the supervision of Dr Tríona Ní Chonghaile at the RCSI Dublin.

The successful candidate will contribute to an interdisciplinary research programme focused on leukemia.

The project aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms driving resistance to cell death signaling in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia that drives tumour progression and treatment resistance.

The candidate will gain experience in a series of state-of-art techniques including super-resolution imaging, metabolic profiling and apoptotic profiling. The goal is to identify more effective and less toxic therapeutic strategies for children with high-risk leukemia.

This project will have a clinical link through close collaboration with haematologist Professor Johnathan Bond.

This scholarship is a co-funded position, supported by Research Ireland and the Children’s Health Foundation, which will cover PhD stipend (€25,000 per year), fees (EU fees), consumables, and conference allowance.

Tenure: Four years

Start date: October 2026

Specification

Minimum requirements

  • Upper second class (2.1) honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject.
  • IELTS 6.5-7.0 (other English language tests are accepted – please see English language requirements for postgraduate study at RCSI Dublin.
  • Highly motivated with good problem-solving skills and organisation skills.
  • Good communication skills.
  • Ability to work on one’s own initiative, as well as in a multidisciplinary team environment.

Desirable candidate specifications

  • MSc in a related subject, e.g. cancer biology.
  • Previous lab experience in cell biology, molecular biology, cancer research, or related fields is desirable.

Application process

Please apply for the research project through the link below.

Apply now

Application deadline: 17 August 2026

Shortlisting: 20 August 2026

Please note:

  • It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure the application form is completed in full and on time – late and/or incomplete applications will not normally be assessed.
  • Unfortunately, we are unable to provide individual feedback to applicants.
  • Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview (applicants may attend a virtual interview)
  • At this stage only successful candidates will be contacted to submit, CV, transcripts and other relevant documentation.
  • Only their referees will also be contacted at this stage for a reference.