Studies of chlamydial inclusion biogenesis PhD Studentship

The Department of Pathology has an excellent reputation in pure biological and biomedical research and is offering a fully funded studentship from October 2026 to work with Dr Richard Hayward, one of the Research Group Leaders in this large and vibrant Department.

Funding of this studentship will cover the student's stipend at the current Research Council rate and Home University Fees. The studentship will be funded for 4 years from October 2026.

Further information about the course can be found here.

More about the project:

Project Title: Studies of chlamydial inclusion biogenesis

Chlamydia trachomatis is an obligate intracellular pathogen that remains the leading bacterial cause of sexually transmitted disease worldwide and infectious blindness (trachoma), a neglected tropical disease. Chlamydia build a specialised membrane-bound replicative compartment within host cells termed an 'inclusion' where the bacteria survive and replicate within a protective niche. To avoid host recognition the inclusion becomes decorated with chlamydial proteins that subvert host cell functions, preventing degradation yet enabling nutrient acquisition. Using a combination of biochemical, bioimaging and cell biology approaches, this project aims to investigate the poorly understood mechanisms by which bacteria selectively transport material into the inclusion.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 4 years in the first instance.

How to Apply:

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. Additionally, the Department requires that by the time of interview all potential students must have fulfilled the language requirements for admission: http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/blpapdpth/requirements

All applications should be made online via the University's Applicant Portal for a PhD in Pathology (BLPA22) https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/blpapdpth/apply

A completed application must be submitted by the closing date below. An application is only complete when all supporting documents, including the 2 academic references, are submitted.

It is the applicants responsibility to ensure their referees submit their references before the closing date.

The studentships are available to students who qualify for UK HOME FEES ONLY

Please check for eligibility details using this website: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/finance/fees/what-my-fee-status

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.

Applications from ineligible candidates will not be considered.

Please quote reference PK47665 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.