We are seeking talented, motivated students with a passion for research in T-cell development and thymus biology to study under the supervision of Dr William Jenkinson. https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/staff/profiles/immunology-immunotherapy/jenkinson-william.aspx
Applicants should have a first or upper second-class degree in a relevant scientific discipline, and who are self-funded or have typically applied for, or secured funding for their studies from their government, employer or associated charitable organisations.
RESEARCH IN T-CELL DEVELOPMENT AND THYMUS BIOLOGY
We are based within the Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy at the University and are part of the wider T-cell Development Group. Our research is focused on understanding the fundamental cellular and molecular mechanisms that provide the thymus with a unique ability to support the development of T-cells that are essential for an effective immune system. We are interested in how thymic stromal cells control T-cell development, and how dysregulation of thymus function can lead to immunodeficiency and autoimmune disease.
Research interests broadly cover:
- How thymus activity and T-cell development can decline as a consequence of ageing, obesity and therapeutic treatments for cancer eg bone marrow transplantation.
- Examining mechanisms that may control thymus regeneration with a view to enhancing T-cell production and T-cell driven immunity.
- Exploring how thymic stromal cells develop and function to control the formation of autoreactive T-cells that can potentially contribute to autoimmune disease.
We use cutting-edge mouse models in combination with in vivo approaches and in vitro organ culture systems, flow cytometry, molecular analyses and confocal microscopy-based imaging systems to examine thymus and T-cell development.
PhD projects using these approaches to address fundamental questions in thymus biology are available to self-funded or scholarship-funded graduates interested in studying and training in the field of T-cell developmental immunology.
APPLICATION ROUTES
Self-funded or scholarship-funded graduates interested in joining the team can select one of 3 different routes for undertaking a PhD in the field of Immunology and Immunotherapy.
Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr William Jenkinson: [Email Address Removed]
Applicants with research experience and/or Master’s degree should apply directly to the Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy for either a 3 or 4 year full-time PhD – https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/courses/research/med/immunology-immunotherapy.aspx. This route requires applicants to submit a drafted research proposal.
Applicants seeking additional research experience or who have yet to complete a Master’s degree should apply to the 4 year Integrated Doctoral Training Programme in Life Sciences for Health, which combined a MRes and PhD – https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/pgr/idtp/index.aspx.
Applicants will need to submit the following documentation during the application process.
• Detailed CV, including your nationality and country of birth;
• Covering letter highlighting your research experience/capabilities and why you wish to undertake a PhD in the team;
• Names and addresses of two referees;
• Copies of your degree certificates with transcripts written in English;
• Evidence of your proficiency in the English language, if applicable.
• Evidence of scholarship application/funding or independent funding.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
University of Birmingham offers pre-sessional English Language courses through the Birmingham International Academy – https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/international/bia/presessional/index.aspx
For additional information on postgraduate studying at University of Birmingham please click - https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/study/postgraduate
For additional information on research at the College of Medical and Dental Sciences please click – https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/activity/mds/index.aspx
For additional information on research in the Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy please click – https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/immunology-immunotherapy/index.aspx
Funding notes:
Applicants are invited from self-funded or scholarship-funded graduates ONLY
Enquiries to: Dr William Jenkinson [Email Address Removed]
Applicants will be self-funded or will have typically applied for, or secured funding for their studies from their government, employer or associated charitable organisations.
Overseas graduates require IELTs of 6.5 overall.
Applying directly to the Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy for either a 3 or 4 year full-time PhD – https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/courses/research/med/immunology-immunotherapy.aspx
Applying to the 4 year Integrated Doctoral Training Programme in Life Sciences for Health, which combined a MRes and PhD – https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/pgr/idtp/index.aspx.
Continue with Facebook
