Cardiff University Studentship Immunology

Cardiff University is inviting applications for PhD studentship in immunology for UK/EU students. Development of immune-modulators for preventing immune suppression by cancer-associated T-cells. Cancer is a major area of unmet clinical need. Immunotherapies to treat cancer were voted the breakthrough of year, 2013, by Science magazine. T-cells are highly specific, and extremely potent, and could be used to target cancer with minimal side effects. However, suppressive T-cell responses can halt cancer reactivity. The soluble molecules and monoclonal antibodies that we will explore in this study will have therapeutic potential for cancer that may address some of the shortcomings of current treatments.

This studentship consists of full UK/EU tuition fees, as well as a Doctoral Stipend matching UK Research Council National Minimum (£14,057 p.a. for 2015/16, updated each year). Additional funding of the value £10,000 for consumables is available.

Eligibility: 

• Residency: Full awards (fees plus maintenance stipend) are open to UK Nationals and EU students who can satisfy UK residency requirements. To be eligible for the full award, EU Nationals must have been in the UK for at least 3 years prior to the start of the course for which they are seeking funding, including for the purposes of full-time education. EU Nationals who do not meet the above residency requirement are eligible for a fees only award, provided that they have been ordinarily resident in the EU for at least 3 years prior to the start of their proposed programme of study.
• Academic criteria: Candidates must have at least a 2:1 honours degree or equivalent in a related biological science. Candidates with previous laboratory experience are particularly encouraged.

Number of awards offered: One studentship is very generously funded by the NRN/Tenovus Cancer Charity.

Tenure of award(s): Studentship is offered for three years.