Up to six studentships will be available beginning in October 2011.

Closing date: 7 January 2011
Interviews will be held in Cambridge in the week commencing 24 January 2011

Infectious diseases remain the major cause of mortality and morbidity throughout the world and their occurrence represents a failure of the immune system. However, our very existence indicates that the immune system has the potential capacity to cope successfully with these diseases.

We need to understand better the fundamental rules that govern how the immune system usually controls infections, and the microbial strategies that occasionally lead to escape from immune control.

The three major themes of this programme are basic cell and molecular biology (including structural and cell biology), immunity and infection. The course is a collaboration between researchers in the School of Clinical Medicine, the Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, the Department of Pathology, the Department of Veterinary Medicine, and the Department of Biochemistry.

The first year of training involves literature-driven in-depth analyses of topics of research relevant to the overall theme, and 3 mini-projects selected by the students offered by research laboratories involved in each of the programme themes. At the end of the first year, students are assessed formally for an MRes degree on the basis of a portfolio of written work and practical laboratory projects.

Students then choose a supervisor for their 3-year PhD thesis projects, which are carried out during years 2-4.

A starting stipend of approximately £19,339 per annum is offered. The studentships will include research costs, and tuition fees at the UK/EU rate. 

Students with, or expecting to attain, at least an upper second class honours degree in a relevant subject are invited to apply.  Funding to meet the additional fees for one or two overseas students may be available.

For full details of the programme and how to apply please visit our website

http://www.med.cam.ac.uk/iai/