Medical Research Council (Cambridge)
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PhD in Perforin-2 Pore Orientation and Immune Response Mechanisms Medical Research Council (Cambridge) Laboratory of Molecular Biology in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Immunology
Funding
Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide). Funding is indicated, but the post does not specify stipend amount, tuition coverage, or other financial details.
Deadline
Dec 8, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
Medical Research Council (Cambridge)

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About this position
PhD opportunity in immunology and molecular biology at the Medical Research Council (Cambridge), Laboratory of Molecular Biology. The project, supervised by Dr Patrycja Kozic, asks whether perforin-2 (Mpeg1) forms pores in two orientations and how this ancient MACPF/CDC family protein is regulated during immune responses.
The research focuses on perforin-2 function in dendritic cells and macrophages, especially its roles in attacking intravacuolar pathogens and enabling cytosolic antigen delivery during cross-presentation. The project aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms that distinguish these two functions and to test whether pore formation occurs in different orientations relative to host membranes.
Students will use state-of-the-art microscopy approaches, including confocal, live, multispectral, and/or high-resolution imaging, together with established and novel reagents such as organelle markers delivered by in vitro-transcribed mRNAs and de novo-designed protein binders. This is a strong fit for candidates interested in immune cell biology, membrane pore formation, antigen presentation, and molecular mechanisms of host defense.
This is a competition-funded PhD project for students worldwide, located in Cambridge, United Kingdom. The post does not list a stipend amount or detailed eligibility criteria, but it is clearly a funded PhD opening. The application window shown on the page is Tuesday, December 08, 2026.
Relevant research references include recent work by Patrycja Kozic and colleagues on perforin-2 anchoring and antigen escape, as well as a 2023 Science paper on perforin-2 as a pore-forming effector in cross-presenting dendritic cells.
Funding details
Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide). Funding is indicated, but the post does not specify stipend amount, tuition coverage, or other financial details.
What's required
Applicants should be enthusiastic students interested in how immune responses are initiated at the molecular level. The project is best suited to candidates with interest in molecular biology, immunology, and microscopy-based research. No specific degree class, language test, or prior experience is stated in the post.
How to apply
Register your interest through the FindAPhD enquiry form on the project page. The university will respond directly after you submit your details.
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