PhD Studentship in Mechanisms of Viral Cell-to-Cell Spread
Investigate how persistent viruses like herpesviruses and polyomaviruses spread between cells while evading immune clearance.
Best for:Best for aspiring virologists and molecular biologists with a strong background in infectious disease research and a UK upper second-class degree or equivalent.
Overview
The Department of Pathology at the University of Cambridge offers a fully funded four-year PhD studentship starting in October 2027. The research focuses on identifying the specific mechanisms that allow persistent viruses, specifically herpesviruses and polyomaviruses, to efficiently spread between host cells while evading immune system detection and clearance. The successful candidate will work alongside a Research Group Leader within a vibrant academic environment renowned for biological and biomedical research. Applicants are expected to conduct rigorous laboratory investigations, maintain high standards of scientific documentation, and contribute to the broader departmental research community.
What you'll do
- Design and execute experimental studies investigating cellular mechanisms of viral dissemination using herpesvirus and polyomavirus models.
- Analyze complex biological datasets and critically evaluate experimental outcomes against current literature in viral pathogenesis.
- Collaborate with researchers and group members within the Department of Pathology to advance project milestones.
- Prepare written scientific reports, present research findings at internal and external academic meetings, and contribute to manuscript preparation.
- Maintain meticulous laboratory records, adhere to safety protocols, and manage day-to-day experimental workflows.
Requirements
Degree required: Undergraduate honours or Masters degree in a relevant biological or biomedical subject
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; must fulfill the University's standard postgraduate admissions language requirements by the time of interview
Instruction: English
- Strong foundation in molecular biology, cellular biology, or virology principles
- Demonstrated ability to perform independent laboratory research and data analysis
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
- Capacity to manage long-term experimental projects and work collaboratively
- Open only to candidates who qualify for UK Home fee status
- Must hold or expect to obtain the equivalent of a UK upper second-class (2.1) undergraduate honours or Masters degree
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-12-02
Submit an online application through the University's Applicant Portal for the PhD in Pathology (BLPA22) course, quoting reference PK51390. Ensure all supporting documents, including your CV, academic transcripts, and two academic references, are uploaded before the closing date. Applicants must also outline their motivation, research interests, background, and relevant qualities within the application materials.
- CV
- Academic transcripts
- Motivation statement
- Research interests statement
- 2 academic references
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