The scientific question here is centered on the behaviour of T cells, immune cells which drive pathology in autoimmune conditions such as Crohn’s. We are interested in knowing how they are triggered to move from helpful infection-fighting cells to pathological disease- causing cells.
We hypothesise that a key factor is their being activated by contact with another immune cell, a neutrophil. Our previous work has shown that neutrophils in people with autoimmune disease are dysregulated, a new and important finding. We have found that neutrophils trigger T cells to become more activated and of the type that triggers pathology in autoimmune disease. All of this work however has been performed on blood or lymph node cells, and T cells of the intestine are unusual - it is important we look at how neutrophils alter their function.
In this project the student will investigate T cell – neutrophil interactions in the intestine. They will use donated human ileum and mesenteric lymph node tissue. They will use techniques like RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry and cell culture to understand how these interactions function in health and disease. The student will be fully trained in all aspects of lab work, R coding, handling of big data, public engagement, poster design and scientific writing.
Our previous work: Smith Clinical Experimental Immunology 2025, Smith PLOS Biology 2022, Moffat Blood 2024.
Training
- Lab skills to include isolation and culture of T cells and neutrophils
- Confocal microscopy
- immunofluorescence imaging
- spatial transcriptomics
- flow cytometry and sorting
- R coding
- RNA sequencing
- poster design
- presentation skills
- scientific writing
Entry Requirements
A 2:1 degree in a relevant subject (immunology, biomedical science or similar)
If you have a general question, fels-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk.
For an initial conversation, please email the lead supervisor Dr Emily Gwyer Findlay: e.gwyerfindlay@soton.ac.uk
Please apply via the online portal and select:
- Programme type: Research
- Academic year: 2026/27
- If you will be full time or part time
- Faculty: Environmental and Life Sciences
Search for programme PhD Biological Sciences (7187)
Please add the name of the supervisor in section 2 of the application.
Applications should include:
- your CV (resumé)
- 2 academic references
- degree transcripts/ certificates to date
- English language qualification (if applicable)
Funding Notes
This is a fully funded PhD with stipend of £20,780 (202526 rate) plus tuition fees for 3.5 years.
There is extra funding available for conference attendance and training.
