PhD Studentship in Translational Immunology: Understanding the Immunobiology of Flare and Remission in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Award summary

100% of UK tuition fees paid and an annual stipend (living expenses) of £20,780. Successful international candidates will be required to fund the difference between the UK fees and international fees.

Overview

Interested in immunology and its application to human disease? This PhD project will focus on rheumatoid arthritis and aims to better understand the immunological basis of disease flare and remission.

We seek an enthusiastic and motivated student to work within our team of scientists as we strive to understand the basis of rheumatic diseases and novel approaches to their treatment. This three-year PhD project will focus on understanding the underlying immunobiology of flare and remission in rheumatoid arthritis. You will have access to samples and data from previous and ongoing experimental medicine studies within our group, ultimately working towards translation of your findings to a feasible assay suitable for future clinical development.

You will have access to state-of-the-art technology and expertise within Newcastle University, including our world-class Core Flow Cytometry and Core Genomics Facilities. You will gain experience in laboratory skills including tissue culture and spectral flow cytometry, as well as presentation and scientific writing skills. The opportunity to develop skills in multi-dimensional data analysis with support from our bioinformatics colleagues is also available. You will be supported by a dedicated team of academic supervisors, and have access to the University’s postgraduate researcher skills development programme.

Number of awards: 1

Start date: October 2025

Award duration: The funding covers a three-year PhD.

Sponsor

Newcastle University Faculty of Medical Sciences 

Supervisors

Dr. Kenneth Baker, Translational and Clinical Research Institute 

(www.ncl.ac.uk/medical-sciences/people/profile/kennethbaker.html)

Dr. Jasmine Sim, Translational and Clinical Research Institute 

Eligibility criteria

A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in a relevant subject. A Masters with strong research training element is advantageous though not essential. 

If your first language is not English you need an overall IELTS score of 6.5 (at least 5.5 in all sub-skills) or equivalent language qualification. 

International applicants may require an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance certificate prior to obtaining their visa and to study on this programme. 

How to apply

You must apply through the University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal

In ‘Course choice’ tab, put ‘Postgraduate Research’ in 'Type of Study', ‘Full Time’ in ‘Mode of Study’, ‘2025’ in ‘Year of Entry’, code ‘8440F’ in ‘Course Title’, blank in ‘Research Area’. Press ‘Search’, select ‘PhD Translational and Clinical Research (FT)’, and save selection.

Either upload a document or write into ‘Personal Statement’. Put code ‘TC116’ in ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’. When prompted for research proposal, select ‘Write Proposal’. Type in the title of the research project from this advert. A research proposal is not required. You can also upload a covering letter and CV, please state how your interests and experience relate to the project. 

You must submit one application per studentship, you cannot apply for multiple studentships on one application. 

Contact Details

Dr. Kenneth Baker 

NIHR Advanced Fellow and Clinical Senior Lecturer

Translational and Clinical Research Institute

E-mail: kenneth.baker@ncl.ac.uk

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