PLATO-RT: Personalising Radiotherapy Dose and Toxicity Prediction in Anal Cancer

This Leeds-Manchester CRUK Clinical Research Training Fellowship in personalisation of radiotherapy in anal cancer is available in the School of Medicine in 2027. This studentship is open to UK applicants and covers PhD tuition fees, clinical salary and project running costs. <br /> <br /> The School of Medicine invites applications from prospective postgraduate researchers who wish to commence study for a PhD in the academic year 2027/28. The award is open to full-time or part-time candidates (UK only) who meet the eligibility for a place on a PhD degree at the School of Medicine and are at the appropriate stage of UK clinical specialty training. <br /> <br /> This PhD fellowship provides an exciting opportunity for a doctor in UK higher specialty clinical training, for example in clinical oncology or medical oncology, to pursue research relating to personalising the radiotherapy dose and toxicity prediction in anal cancer whilst also developing experience in data science and artificial intelligence.

<p paraeid="{a133abb8-5e35-42f5-9768-1fe57524c021}{67}" paraid="576358830">Anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC) is a rare cancer where chemoradiotherapy remains the standard curative treatment. Despite excellent outcomes, treatment-related toxicity can significantly affect bowel, urinary, sexual, and quality-of-life outcomes. The Personalising Radiotherapy Dose in Anal Cancer (PLATO) UK platform trial is the largest prospective programme of radiotherapy dose optimisation trials in anal cancer (n=709). (1) Aligning with the Rare Cancers Act 2026, this PhD will combine PLATO datasets across early, low-risk, and locally advanced disease to model the impact of radiotherapy dose and volume on toxicity and patient-reported outcomes (PROs). </p> <p paraeid="{a133abb8-5e35-42f5-9768-1fe57524c021}{79}" paraid="106999336">The project comprises four work packages: </p> <ol role="list" start="1"> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-font="" data-leveltext="%1." data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":0,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[65533,0],"469777803":"left","469777804":"%1.","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-listid="12" role="listitem"> <p paraeid="{a133abb8-5e35-42f5-9768-1fe57524c021}{85}" paraid="1174795551">Evaluate and validate AI-based normal tissue (organs-at-risk) delineation methods using an expert-defined dataset. </p> </li> </ol> <ol role="list" start="2"> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-font="" data-leveltext="%1." data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":0,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[65533,0],"469777803":"left","469777804":"%1.","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-listid="12" role="listitem"> <p paraeid="{a133abb8-5e35-42f5-9768-1fe57524c021}{91}" paraid="1838772164">Develop advanced statistical and machine-learning dose-response models for toxicity, with external validation across the PLATO quality assurance cohort. </p> </li> </ol> <ol role="list" start="3"> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="3" data-font="" data-leveltext="%1." data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":0,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[65533,0],"469777803":"left","469777804":"%1.","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-listid="12" role="listitem"> <p paraeid="{a133abb8-5e35-42f5-9768-1fe57524c021}{97}" paraid="845255504">Explore the impact of surgical interventions (local excision, pre-treatment stoma, and salvage APER) on PROs and survivorship. </p> </li> </ol> <ol role="list" start="4"> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="4" data-font="" data-leveltext="%1." data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":0,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[65533,0],"469777803":"left","469777804":"%1.","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-listid="12" role="listitem"> <p paraeid="{a133abb8-5e35-42f5-9768-1fe57524c021}{103}" paraid="1683826463">Assess PLATO's influence on national UK radiotherapy practice using National English and Welsh datasets. </p> </li> </ol> <p paraeid="{a133abb8-5e35-42f5-9768-1fe57524c021}{113}" paraid="1689436135">This interdisciplinary PhD combines expertise in oncology, surgery, radiotherapy physics, AI, medical imaging, and population data science, leveraging strong links between Manchester and Leeds. The project will deliver clinically actionable evidence to support personalised treatment, improve quality of life, optimise radiotherapy delivery, and evaluate the national impact of the first practice-changing anal cancer trials in over three decades </p>

<p paraeid="{94c018fc-53c1-47d6-a73b-364425afbbcf}{4}" paraid="2046098614">To apply for this scholarship opportunity applicants should complete an <a href="https://biologicalsciences.leeds.ac.uk/research-degrees/doc/how-to-apply" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">online application form</a> and attach the following documentation to support their application.  </p> <ul role="list"> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="6" data-font="Courier New" data-leveltext="o" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Courier New","469769242":[9675],"469777803":"left","469777804":"o","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-listid="3" role="listitem"> <p paraeid="{94c018fc-53c1-47d6-a73b-364425afbbcf}{48}" paraid="2043878472">a full academic CV </p> </li> </ul> <ul role="list"> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="7" data-font="Courier New" data-leveltext="o" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Courier New","469769242":[9675],"469777803":"left","469777804":"o","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-listid="3" role="listitem"> <p paraeid="{94c018fc-53c1-47d6-a73b-364425afbbcf}{54}" paraid="1078529008">a personal statement (1,000 words maximum) describing your suitability for the project, giving an overview of your relevant experience, research and clinical training. </p> </li> </ul> <ul role="list"> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="8" data-font="Courier New" data-leveltext="o" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Courier New","469769242":[9675],"469777803":"left","469777804":"o","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-listid="3" role="listitem"> <p paraeid="{94c018fc-53c1-47d6-a73b-364425afbbcf}{62}" paraid="854648403">degree certificate and transcripts of marks </p> </li> </ul> <ul role="list"> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="9" data-font="Courier New" data-leveltext="o" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Courier New","469769242":[9675],"469777803":"left","469777804":"o","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-listid="3" role="listitem"> <p paraeid="{94c018fc-53c1-47d6-a73b-364425afbbcf}{68}" paraid="1589695704">Evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (if applicable) </p> </li> </ul> <p paraeid="{94c018fc-53c1-47d6-a73b-364425afbbcf}{74}" paraid="1556620361">To help us identify that you are applying for this scholarship project please ensure you provide the following information on your application form; </p> <ul role="list"> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="10" data-font="Courier New" data-leveltext="o" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Courier New","469769242":[9675],"469777803":"left","469777804":"o","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-listid="3" role="listitem"> <p paraeid="{94c018fc-53c1-47d6-a73b-364425afbbcf}{88}" paraid="531188198">Select PhD in Medicine as your programme of study </p> </li> </ul> <ul role="list"> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="11" data-font="Courier New" data-leveltext="o" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Courier New","469769242":[9675],"469777803":"left","469777804":"o","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-listid="3" role="listitem"> <p paraeid="{94c018fc-53c1-47d6-a73b-364425afbbcf}{94}" paraid="1015331596">Give the full project title and name the supervisors listed in this advert </p> </li> </ul> <ul role="list"> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="12" data-font="Courier New" data-leveltext="o" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Courier New","469769242":[9675],"469777803":"left","469777804":"o","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-listid="3" role="listitem"> <p paraeid="{94c018fc-53c1-47d6-a73b-364425afbbcf}{100}" paraid="998991628">For source of funding please state you are applying for a Leeds-Manchester CRUK Clinical PhD Fellowship </p> </li> </ul> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p>

Applicants to this scholarship in the School of Medicine should normally have an Undergraduate degree (honours) in medicine and be in a GMC-recognised UK clinical training programme. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact Jo Bentley J.Bentley@leeds.ac.uk or the Admissions Team prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p paraeid="{a133abb8-5e35-42f5-9768-1fe57524c021}{145}" paraid="1297129593">Information about the Award </p> <ul role="list"> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-font="Courier New" data-leveltext="o" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Courier New","469769242":[9675],"469777803":"left","469777804":"o","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-listid="1" role="listitem"> <p paraeid="{a133abb8-5e35-42f5-9768-1fe57524c021}{151}" paraid="690562519">We are offering 1 full-time/ part-time PhD fellowship in the School of Medicine for one UK candidate, covering PhD tuition fees, clinical salary and project running costs for three years, subject to satisfactory progress.  </p> </li> </ul> <p paraeid="{a133abb8-5e35-42f5-9768-1fe57524c021}{169}" paraid="714957172">Duration of the Award </p> <ul role="list"> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-font="Courier New" data-leveltext="o" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Courier New","469769242":[9675],"469777803":"left","469777804":"o","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-listid="2" role="listitem"> <p paraeid="{a133abb8-5e35-42f5-9768-1fe57524c021}{175}" paraid="1924163940">Full-time (3 years). The award will be made for one year in the first instance and renewable for a further period of up to two years, subject to satisfactory academic progress. </p> </li> </ul> <p paraeid="{a133abb8-5e35-42f5-9768-1fe57524c021}{181}" paraid="1959272897">Other Conditions </p> <ul role="list"> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-font="Courier New" data-leveltext="o" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Courier New","469769242":[9675],"469777803":"left","469777804":"o","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-listid="3" role="listitem"> <p paraeid="{a133abb8-5e35-42f5-9768-1fe57524c021}{187}" paraid="1019465687">Applicants must not have already been awarded or be currently studying for a doctoral degree. </p> </li> </ul> <ul role="list"> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-font="Courier New" data-leveltext="o" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Courier New","469769242":[9675],"469777803":"left","469777804":"o","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-listid="3" role="listitem"> <p paraeid="{a133abb8-5e35-42f5-9768-1fe57524c021}{193}" paraid="1057572389">Applicants must live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds whilst in receipt of this scholarship. </p> </li> </ul> <ul role="list"> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="3" data-font="Courier New" data-leveltext="o" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Courier New","469769242":[9675],"469777803":"left","469777804":"o","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-listid="3" role="listitem"> <p paraeid="{a133abb8-5e35-42f5-9768-1fe57524c021}{199}" paraid="1175179777">Applicants must hold an MBChB degree or equivalent medical qualification </p> </li> </ul> <ul role="list"> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="4" data-font="Courier New" data-leveltext="o" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Courier New","469769242":[9675],"469777803":"left","469777804":"o","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-listid="3" role="listitem"> <p paraeid="{a133abb8-5e35-42f5-9768-1fe57524c021}{207}" paraid="1829045709">Applicants must be a post-registration clinician and in a GMC-recognised UK clinical specialty training programme. </p> </li> </ul> <ul role="list"> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="5" data-font="Courier New" data-leveltext="o" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Courier New","469769242":[9675],"469777803":"left","469777804":"o","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-listid="3" role="listitem"> <p paraeid="{a133abb8-5e35-42f5-9768-1fe57524c021}{223}" paraid="1671996062">Interviews will be held on the week commencing 5th February 2027 at the MCRC Centre in Manchester </p> </li> </ul> <p paraeid="{a133abb8-5e35-42f5-9768-1fe57524c021}{245}" paraid="1555483644">Prior to the interview day, a full itinerary will be sent to you confirming further details about the process including information about additional activities that may take place on the day, as well as practical information on getting to the interview location. </p>

<p>For further information please contact the Admissions Office<br /> e: HLSPGR@leeds.ac.uk</p>