Four Year PhDs in Cancer, Immunology, Infection and Biomedicine

Research in:

• The Cell Biology and Immunology of Cancer
• Immunity and Infection

The Faculty of Medicine at the University of Southampton has a strong reputation in research, enterprise and education, with an emphasis on translating new discoveries from basic science into clinical innovation. Our four year PhD, commencing in October 2021, is designed to produce the next generation of research leaders. Studying high-quality, clinically relevant science will enable you to develop the skills and approaches for a career in academia, health, pharma, informatics, science policy and related sectors.

The Cell Biology and Immunology of Cancer

Cancer research in Southampton is at the cutting edge of tumour biology and immunology based in our new state of the art Centre for Cancer Immunology and the adjacent CRUK centre. Studies encompass basic and applied immunology, genetics, genomics and mechanisms of disease, including proliferation, invasion and cell death. Our research groups, with scientists and clinical collaborators on a single site, provide exciting projects in rapidly developing areas of research, focussing on translation to the clinic and curing disease.

Immunity and Infection

In Clinical and Experimental Sciences, scientists and clinicians aim to unravel fundamental mechanisms of disease to discover effective therapies for human infectious disease, developing diagnostic markers and improving treatments for diseases affecting the lungs, joints, skin, liver, pancreas, gut and the urogenital tract. Projects range from molecular cell biology of infection and immunology to genetics, molecular epidemiology, environmental pollution and lung imaging.

Both pathways: In year 1, three lab rotations are undertaken alongside advanced research skills modules, including Statistical Methods and Quantitative Cell Biology with practical introduction to bioinformatics techniques and computational modelling, using large clinically-relevant datasets. Successful completion of year 1 is marked with the award of MRes.

Years 2-4 comprises an in-depth research project that utilises experience gained in year 1 and empowers you to become a member of a high impact research group, interacting with biologists, clinicians, bioengineers and physical scientists through the highly collaborative life sciences interface at the University of Southampton.

Funding is available for a limited number of places. Subject to eligibility, studentships are based on UK Research Council maintenance stipend rates (~£15,500) plus full UK fees. Self-funding students may also be accepted.

Similar studentships in Cancer, Inflammation and Translational Immunology are advertised on our MRC doctoral training partnership with Queen Marys University of London.

Application enquiries: contact the Graduate School on Tel: ‪+44 (0)2382126501 or fmed-gradschool@soton.ac.uk ‬‬‬‬‬

Apply here for the Cancer Immunology or Cancer Sciences.

Informal academic enquiries: please contact Prof Mark Cragg, at M.S.Cragg@soton.ac.uk Quote reference number: IPHD/CS/202021/723 in the supervisor field on the application form.

Apply here for the Immunity and Infection Pathway.

Informal academic enquiries: please contact Dr Tilman Sanchez-Elsner T.Sanchez-Elsner@soton.ac.uk Quote reference number: IPHD/II/202021/724 in the supervisor field on the application form.

Closing date for start in October 2021 is Wednesday 27th January 2021.

Interviews: On or after 9th February 2021. Applicants invited to interview will be asked to give a short presentation as part of the selection process.