PhD Studentship - Therapeutic Reference Materials

Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency; Little Heath; On-site; GBP 23,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK regulatory agency offers a 4-year full-time PhD studentship in Immunohaematology & Autoimmunity. Candidates will engage in pivotal research on lyophilised platelet products and their applications. Responsibilities include executing research projects, effective communication at scientific meetings, and completing rotations within the agency for broader public health research experience. The position provides a stipend of £22,780 per year, extensive benefits, and opportunities for professional development and training.

Benefits

Stipend of £22,780 per year

Employment benefits

Training opportunities

Annual leave of 25 days

Qualifications

• First-class BSc degree or 2:1 (or international equivalent).
• MSc in a relevant subject (or international equivalent) is also acceptable.
• Eligibility for home UK fees.

Responsibilities

• Undertake the research projects in line with the project aims.
• Share results through written and oral presentations.
• Complete two 3-month rotations in the wider MHRA.

Skills

Research skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

First-class BSc degree or 2:1

MSc in a relevant subject

Job description

Overview

A 4‑year full‑time PhD studentship is available in the Immunohaematology & Autoimmunity team within the Standards Lifecycle division of the Science and Research operational group at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). The project is conducted in partnership with the Institute for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading. It focuses on the development of lyophilised platelet biological products and their application as haemostatic surrogates. The studentship will commence on 28th September 2026 and will be supervised by Dr Dina Vara at the MHRA, Prof Jon Gibbins and Dr Chris Jones at the University of Reading.

Responsibilities

• Undertake the research projects in line with the project aims.
• Communicate effectively, orally and through written media; present at scientific meetings and maintain excellent records.
• Interact regularly and effectively with supervisors and other staff.
• Meet the expectations of the PhD study for the awarding body (University of Reading).
• Complete two 3‑month rotations in the wider MHRA within the first year to gain broader public health research experience.

Qualifications and Eligibility

• First‑class BSc degree or 2:1 (or international equivalent).
• MSc in a relevant subject (or international equivalent) is also acceptable.
• Eligibility for home UK fees.
• UK national, settled status, pre‑settled status, or indefinite leave to remain.
• Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.

Benefits

• Stipend of £22,780 per year, reviewed annually.
• Employment at the MHRA, a civil service employer, with pension scheme contributions.
• Opportunities for training courses, professional development and presentation at national and international conferences.
• Annual leave of 25 days, increasing by one day per year of service to a maximum of 30 days.
• Additional benefits include flexible working, interest‑free season ticket loan or bike loan, and access to the Civil Service Benevolent Fund.

Awarding Institution

The successful candidate will be registered at the School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, a leading UK research centre in cardiovascular and platelet biology.