Wellcome Trust Immunomatrix in Complex Disease (ICD) 4-Year PhD Studentships

The Wellcome Trust 4-year PhD in Immunomatrix in Complex Disease is a basic science programme at the interface of immunology and matrix biology research. It combines scientific excellence with a commitment to improving the working environment and transition support for trainees. Six fully-funded studentships are available annually.

Why undertake a Wellcome Trust ICD 4-year PhD?

A bespoke course in immunomatrix, bioinformatics and artificial intelligence. PhD projects at the interface of matrix biology, immunology and complex disease.

A supportive and inclusive research environment focused on team-based research. The opportunity to meet with potential supervisors and experience their labs before choosing your PhD project.

The programme is specifically designed to incorporate experience of other careers, including policy, charities, the NHS, industry, government and research in developing countries. A unique opportunity to mentor work experience of care leavers.

Become an active member of the research group and develop your presentation skills, by participating in seminars, keynote lectures, external conferences and public engagement activities.

Commitment to being part of an evolving community of practitioners who will develop and share practice to bring science and culture together, placing both firmly at the heart of what we do.

Programme Structure

You will spend the first seven weeks undertaking a bespoke course in immunomatrix, bioinformatics and artificial intelligence. This includes a lab boot camp comprising laboratory sessions with all potential supervisors.

Supervisor selection takes place in Week 8. Weeks 9 to 12 are spent on a short project in a co-supervisor's lab, and on developing your project with both of your supervisors.

You will also identify opportunities for a 'silo switch', where you can undertake research in a discipline distinct from your laboratory project to include in your thesis. These silo switches are optional.

Silo switches are available to expose you to an alternative career or way of working.

For example, you may:

• research the policy implications of your studies on obesity and cancer with local government or NHS;
• engage in patient surveys on the effectiveness of a therapy relevant to your research question;
• work to engage the public in your research in collaboration with Manchester Museum.

Silo switches can take place at any time between Years 2 and 3.5 and can be 8 weeks or up to one year.

Making an application

Applicants for the 4-year PhD programme should have relevant undergraduate science degree or equivalent alternative qualifications or experience in immunology, matrix biology, complex diseases or analysis of these.

If you wish to be considered for a studentship and meet our eligibility criteria, you must complete a single online application.

Full details on eligibility and residence criteria are available on the How to apply page.

Application deadline: 2nd January 2024