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Funded PhD in HIV-1 Genetic Determinants of Fitness and Immune Recognition University of Bristol in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Immunology
Funding
Funded PhD studentship through the GW4 BioMed3 MRC Doctoral Landscape Programme. Covers UK tuition fees and a Doctoral Stipend matching the UK Research Council National Minimum (£21,805 p.a. for 2026/27, updated annually). Additional research training and support funding of up to £5,000 per annum is available. International candidates are fully funded for tuition difference but must self-cover visa and healthcare surcharge costs.
Deadline
Oct 21, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of Bristol

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About this position
Funded PhD project at the University of Bristol within the GW4 BioMed3 MRC Doctoral Training Partnership: Hidden codes: Genetic Determinants of HIV-1 Fitness and Immune Recognition.
This project investigates how viral genetic sequences influence HIV-1 transmission efficiency, replicative fitness, and immune recognition, with a particular focus on Subtype C HIV and other non-subtype B viruses. The work combines viral genomics, bioinformatics, sequence analysis, evolution, immunology, microbiology, and molecular biology.
The student will analyze viral genomic datasets, compare transmission-associated signatures across HIV subtypes, and use laboratory-based approaches including in vitro and ex vivo transmission assays and human mucosal explant models. The project also explores how altering viral genetic sequences affects transmission and fitness while preserving encoded proteins.
Training includes virology, viral genomics, bioinformatics, cell culture, experimental infection models, and data analysis. The project is suitable for applicants from biological, biomedical, virological, computational, or related disciplines.
Funding: UK tuition fees plus a doctoral stipend matching the UK Research Council National Minimum (£21,805 p.a. for 2026/27), with up to £5,000 per year additional research training/support funding. International applicants are eligible and will be fully funded for the tuition difference, but must cover visa and healthcare surcharge costs.
Location: Bristol, United Kingdom.
Deadline: 21 October 2026, 5:00pm. Apply via the GW4 BioMed website; you may select up to two projects and submit one application only. Shortlisted candidates will later apply for an offer to study at the chosen institution.
Funding details
Funded PhD studentship through the GW4 BioMed3 MRC Doctoral Landscape Programme. Covers UK tuition fees and a Doctoral Stipend matching the UK Research Council National Minimum (£21,805 p.a. for 2026/27, updated annually). Additional research training and support funding of up to £5,000 per annum is available. International candidates are fully funded for tuition difference but must self-cover visa and healthcare surcharge costs.
What's required
Applicants from biological, biomedical, virological, computational or related disciplines are encouraged. The project is suited to candidates interested in HIV-1, genomics, bioinformatics, sequence analysis, viral evolution, cell culture, experimental infection models, and data analysis. UK and international applicants are eligible; international candidates will not be expected to cover the home/international tuition difference but must cover visa, healthcare surcharge, and relocation costs.
How to apply
Check the GW4 BioMed website for the list of projects and application instructions. You may select up to two projects and submit one application only. Complete the online application for an 'offer of funding' by 5:00pm on 21 October 2026, then apply for an 'offer to study' to the chosen institution if shortlisted.
More information can be found here
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