Full-time PhD studentship (Bonfanti Group)

A PhD studentship is available at the UCL Institute of Infection, Immunity and Transplantation in the research team led by Prof. Paola Bonfanti currently based at the Francis Crick Institute. One studentship is funded for 3 years by a European Research Council (ERC Advanced Grant, Horizon Europe Guarantee Scheme) research grant that aims at developing an innovative cross‑disciplinary approach to understand and drive thymus regeneration, combining clinical data, in vivo models, advanced ex vivo and in vitro technologies with computational science. This overall research aims to transform how thymus‑related conditions are treated, with potential impacts on ageing, cancer, and immune disorders.

The PhD project will cover a combination of experimental and computational approaches to investigate thymus function. The main experimental techniques include mammalian cell culture, advanced imaging, molecular biology, bioengineering and in vivo models. Prof. Bonfanti directs an interdisciplinary team, across the two main institutions. The proposed project stems from a joint collaborative effort with UCL as University partner and is developed thanks to the Secondment programme UCL/Crick of the lead applicants who have access to all STPs and Crick scientific environment.

The Crick support staff collaborate across disciplines to understand the fundamental biology of health and disease and the translational science team helps rapidly turn discoveries into treatments. The Crick’s Science Technology Platforms (STPs) provide researchers with access to state‑of‑the‑art equipment and technical advice in the effective use of technologies such as spatial technologies platforms, imaging, advanced sequencing, bioinformatic support and mouse genetic modification service.

Comprehensive Training: The purpose of the training is to support the PhD student for 3 years to do internationally leading science in one of the project areas indicated above. The primary supervisor, together with the thesis committee members, will support the student during the PhD progress.

Outstanding scientific environment: The student will be based at the Francis Crick Institute according to the secondment agreement described above. They will be registered in the UCL Division of Infection & Immunity, which has an impressive scientific output. The Division and the Crick organise regular internal and external seminars, journal clubs, and clinical meetings.

Professional Development: The student will not only gain research training but also develop a deeper understanding of the importance of their research for patients. The student will receive training in the ethical aspects of the research involving patients and tissue. They will present their research at national and international conferences, providing an opportunity to meet their peers and experts in the field.

About you: The studentship will be awarded competitively. Candidates must have a First‑ or Upper‑Second‑Class degree from a recognised university. Research experience is essential. Applicants should be enthusiastic about research and be keen to work on the development of interdisciplinary approaches. The ideal candidates should have (or expect to achieve) a relevant master’s qualification in biomedical sciences, immunology, molecular biology, biochemistry, engineering, bioinformatics or a related discipline. Prior lab experience and data science knowledge will be valued. A good level of spoken and written English is essential. Applications are invited from candidates who are eligible for the home fee rate.

Application Deadline: 5pm August 6th, 2026

What we offer: The scholarship includes a full‑time stipend for three years (aligned with the Wellcome Trust stipend), provision for research lab consumables, and a travel budget to present at conferences.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women. Our department holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, in recognition of our commitment and demonstrable impact in advancing gender equality.