PhD (Fixed Term)

The Project: This 3 year PhD project is embedded in the NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Vaccines & Immunisation, a collaboration between the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), University College London (UCL) and the University of Cambridge.

Based at the University of Cambridge and supervised by Professor Caroline Trotter, the student who should have or should expect to obtain a minimum of a UK 2:1 Honours Degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject, will work closely with colleagues at UKHSA and other members of the HPRU.

The student will develop a framework for making decisions about vaccines that more formally considers the effect on the immunisation programme as a whole. They will then apply this draft framework to specific case studies and assess whether and how decision-making could be influenced, leading to further refinement.

The student will develop skills in infectious disease epidemiology, mathematical modelling of vaccine preventable diseases and health economics. The public are ultimately the 'vaccine consumers' and as such should be involved in framing and shaping vaccine research, so the student should also develop and execute a plan for public involvement and engagement.

Funding: Funding will be available to cover fees at the home fee rate plus a tax-free student maintenance starting at £20,199 for three years. This PhD is supported by the NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Immunisation and covers research costs in addition to home fees and maintenance.

Start Date: January 2027

How to apply: Contact the Supervisor to discuss the project before submitting an official application.

Deadline to apply: 10th July 2026 (shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview before end of July 2026)