Explore our opportunities to work with leading experts in virology and study viral diseases affecting livestock and their potential to spread to humans.
At Pirbright, our community of over 40 PhD students, affiliated with universities across the UK, benefit from access to world-class facilities in a vibrant environment that fosters research and collaboration.
We have partnered with various universities and industries to offer a selection of PhD studentships. These partnerships offer students an exceptional opportunity to obtain a broad view of infectious disease research in a dynamic and unique research environment.
Students can work with project partners, allowing for interdisciplinary, cross-institutional approaches to solving the challenges of livestock diseases. This approach is complemented by core skills training at the student's host institutions, providing flexible training options and experiences that support a wide range of career paths.
Funding
PhD studentships for UK students are primarily funded by the UKRI Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).
International students are welcome to apply, but they must secure funding through scholarships or other means, as detailed in each specific studentship advert.
Available PhD studentships
Title: Probing the Function of RNA Structural Elements in the FMDV Genome using Biophysical and Genetic Approaches
Principal Supervisors
Dr Trevor Sweeney (The Pirbright institute); Dr Chris Hill (University of York)
Co-Supervisors
Dr Toby Tuthill (The Pirbright Institute); Dr Steven Quinn (University of York)
Start date: October 2025
Deadline to apply: 3 February 2025
Title: Antigenic Evolution of Neuraminidase in H5Nx Clade 2.3.4.4b Avian Influenza Viruses and its Impact on Viral Fitness in Avian and Mammalian Species
Principal Supervisors
Prof Munir Iqbal (The Pirbright Institute), Prof Wendy Barclay (Imperial College London)
Co-Supervisors
Dr Rebecca Daines, Dr Jean-Remy Sadeyen (The Pirbright Institute)
Start date: October 2025
Deadline to apply: 10 February 2025
Title: Ex Vivo Analysis of Chicken Bursal Secretory Dendritic Cell Responses to Diverse IBDV Pathotypes and their Interaction with B Cells in Viral Pathogenesis
Principal Supervisors
Dr Ahmed Ibrahim (The Pirbright Institute), Dr Kate Sutton (University of Edinburgh)
Co-Supervisors
Dr Wilhelm Gerner (The Pirbright Institute)
Start date: October 2025
Deadline to apply: 13 February 2025
Please note: Full details for this project can be found on FindAPhD and applications must be made via the University of Edinburgh.
