PhD Studentship: MHC Class I Antigen Processing and Presentation in Virus Immune Detection and Evasion

Applications are invited for a fully-funded 4-year PhD studentship based in the Department of Pathology at the University of Cambridge under the supervision of Dr Arwen Altenburg starting October 2025.

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules play an essential role in alerting immune cells to cellular changes in infected and cancer cells. They do this by presenting peptides derived from pathogen and tumour proteins to immune cells. To evade immune detection, viruses have evolved strategies to manipulate MHC class I or other proteins in the antigen processing and pathway. Our research explores the MHC class I pathway in virus infections to enhance our understanding of MHC class I biology and virus-host interactions. Through the characterisation of these dynamics, we aim to enable future innovation of vaccines and therapeutics.

For more information please see here: https://www.path.cam.ac.uk/graduate/fully-funded-studentships

Funding* will cover the student's stipend at the current Research Council rate and University Fees. The studentship will be funded for four years from October 2025.

The studentships are available to students who qualify for UK Home fees. Please check for eligibility details; https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/finance/fees/what-my-fee-status.

Applicants should hold (or expect to obtain) the equivalent of a UK 2.1 or higher in an undergraduate honours or Masters degree in a relevant subject. The studentship is open to those eligible for the Home rate of University fees.

All applications should be made online via the University's Applicant Portal; https://apply.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/applicant/login?dswid=6631 for a PhD in Pathology (BLPA22). Applications should include academic transcripts, CV, statement of purpose and 2 references. An application is only complete when all supporting documents, including the 2 academic references, are submitted. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure their referees submit their references before the closing date **(2nd March 2025).**  Please also explain your motivation why you wish to pursue a PhD in this area, outline your research interests and background, and describe the qualities and experience you will bring to the role.

Please quote reference PK44971 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Advert information