Job Description

We are hiring! 🎓🧫 🧬

#PhD studentship available in #Immunology at #CambridgeUniversity to investigate a new killer function of human T cells.

📅 Application deadline: 3rd December 2025
more information: https://www.cam.ac.uk/jobs/to-die-and-to-kill-regulation-of-gasdermin-e-mediated-cytotoxicity-by-pyroptotic-t-cells-phd-pk47801

The department of Pathology has an excellent reputation in pure biological and biomedical research and is offering a fully funded studentship from October 2026 to work with Dr Christina Zielinski, one of the Research Group Leaders in this large and vibrant Department.

Funding of this studentship will cover the student’s stipend at the current Research council rate and Home University Fees. The studentship will be funded for 4 years from October 2026.

Further information about the course can be found here: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/blpapdpth

More about the project:

Project Title: To die and to kill – regulation of Gasdermin E mediated cytotoxicity by pyroptotic T cells

We are a new research group at the University of Cambridge with a long-standing passion for the human immune system. Gasdermin E (GSDME) has been considered a tumor suppressor through its capacity to form membrane pores and induce pyroptotic cell death in malignant cells. We recently demonstrated that human T cells upregulate GSDME upon T cell receptor activation. Unlike malignant cells, T cells remain resistant to GSDME-mediated cell death by mechanisms that are not yet understood. Our preliminary data further suggest that GSDME pore formation enhances T cell cytotoxicity. This project will revisit the repertoire of cytotoxic effector mechanisms of T cells and delineate the role and regulation of GSDME as a novel executioner of T cell mediated anti-tumor immunity.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 4 years in the first instance.

How to Apply:

Applicants should hold (or expect to obtain) the equivalent of a UK 2.1 or higher in an undergraduate honours or Masters degree in a relevant subject. The studentship is open to those eligible for the Home rate of University fees. Additionally, the Department requires that by the time of interview all potential students must have fulfilled the language requirements for admission: http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/blpapdpth/requirements

All applications should be made online via the University’s Applicant Portal for a PhD in Pathology (BLPA22) https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/blpapdpth/apply

A completed application must be submitted by the closing date below. An application is only complete when all supporting documents, including the 2 academic references, are submitted.

It is the applicants responsibility to ensure their referees submit their references before the closing date.

The studentships are available to students who qualify for UK HOME FEES ONLY

Please check for eligibility details using this website: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/finance/fees/what-my-fee-status

Please also explain your motivation why you wish to pursue a PhD in this area, outline your research interests and background, and describe the qualities and experience you will bring to the role.

Applications from ineligible candidates will not be considered.

Please quote reference PK47801 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.