PhD Studentship - Immunotherapy

Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency; Little Heath; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading health regulatory agency in Little Heath offers a 4-year PhD studentship starting October 2026. This role involves investigating mRNA-based CAR T-cell generation for efficient anti-tumour responses. Applicants should hold a relevant MSci or MSc and demonstrate strong skills in molecular biology techniques. The position includes generous funding, professional development opportunities, and participation in significant research collaborations, making it ideal for aspiring scientists eager to innovate in public health research.

Benefits

Annual leave: 25-30 days

Occupational sick pay

Flexible working hours

Employee assistance services

Access to training courses

Qualifications

• Hold an eligible MSci or MSc degree from a relevant discipline.
• Predicted to secure a first-class degree or equivalent.
• Additional laboratory work experience is appreciated but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on mRNA-based CAR T-cell generation.
• Participate in two rotations within the Agency.
• Engage in multidisciplinary collaboration.

Skills

Molecular cloning

In-vitro transcription assays

mRNA production

Statistical analysis

Communication skills

Project management

Education

MSci (at least a 2:1) or BSc plus MSc

Job description

PhD Studentship Overview

A 4‑year full‑time PhD studentship is available from October 2026 in the Biotherapeutics and Advanced Therapies Team within the Science, Research and Innovation operational group (SR I) of the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in collaboration with the UCL Department of Chemistry. The student will be required to complete two 3‑month rotations in the wider Agency within their first year, allowing them to gain unique insight into public health research.

Project Summary

The project will be supervised by Dr Deepa Rajagopal and Dr Sandrine Vessillier at MHRA and Professor Vijay Chudasama at UCL. It will investigate mRNA‑based in‑vivo CAR T‑cell generation as a potential new approach for targeting T‑cells for generation of efficient anti‑tumour responses. The in‑vivo approach will employ targeting antibodies to functionalise the mRNA lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) to facilitate uptake and targeted mRNA expression for therapeutic CAR T‑cell induction.

Key Methods and Techniques

• Molecular cloning, in‑vitro transcription assays, mRNA production and characterisation
• LNP manufacture and characterisation
• Conjugation with targeting antibodies
• Cell culture and flow‑cytometry
• Various immunological and biochemical assays
• Statistical analysis of data
• Communication skills
• Project management

Eligibility and Qualifications

• Hold an MSci (at least a 2:1) or a BSc (at least a merit) plus an MSc (at least a 2:1) or international equivalents of the relevant first degree and the Masters' degree.
• Predicted to secure a first‑class MSci degree (at least 2:1) or a BSc (at least a merit) plus an MSc (at least 2:1) in a relevant subject or international equivalents.
• Additional relevant postgraduate or other laboratory work experience relating to the proposed project would be appreciated but not essential.
• Ethically compliant and culturally aware, and will engage with multidisciplinary teams across UCL and MHRA.

Funding and Stipend

Full funding for 4 years and a yearly stipend of £22 780, reviewed annually. The MHRA contributes £6 599 towards membership of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.

Benefits

• Annual leave: 25 days on entry, maximum 30 days.
• Bank holidays: 8.
• Occupational sick pay: 1 month full pay on entry.
• Flexible working and mobility clause in contracts.
• Access to the Civil Service Pension scheme and employee assistance services.
• On‑going learning and development opportunities.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

UCL actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society, including BAME British applicants, applicants with disabilities and older applicants. The MHRA ensures equal opportunities in the civil service and offers schemes for candidates with disabilities and those at risk of redundancy.

Career Development

The candidate will gain unique access to both UCL and MHRA training courses, be encouraged to present their work at national and international conferences, and will benefit from multidisciplinary expertise and supervision at both sites.

Legal and Regulatory Disclosures

Successful studentship applicants must complete background screening, including identity checks, right to study in the UK, and approval by UCL on the UCL Research: degree Chemistry programme.

Subject Areas

• Immunology
• Immunotherapy
• mRNA vaccines
• CAR T‑cell engineering

Contact

Applicants should apply via the MHRA and UCL portals. Only applicants meeting the eligibility criteria will be considered.