The Sir William Dunn School of Pathology at the University of Oxford has opened applications for its funded PhD studentship competition for entry in October 2027. The programme offers prospective doctoral researchers an opportunity to undertake advanced research into molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying human disease. Based in Oxford, United Kingdom, the Dunn School brings together more than 30 research groups working across areas including molecular biology, genetics, cancer biology, microbiology, virology, immunology, genome stability and cellular biology. For the 2027 intake, applicants can choose from a range of advertised PhD projects led by established research groups. PhD Research Projects Available The available projects cover a broad spectrum of biomedical research. Current opportunities include research into genome stability and human disease through the I Ahel Lab, while the Borodavka Lab is investigating RNA selection inside viral biomolecular condensates. The Caravalho Lab is offering a project focused on mechanisms of protein quality control in health and disease. The Dushek and van der Merwe Labs are researching antigen discrimination by T cells, while the Fodor Lab is examining molecular mechanisms of RNA virus replication. Other projects include research into rhomboid-like proteins and their roles in human disease through the Freeman Lab, RNA/DNA hybrids in health and disease through the Gromak Lab, and mitotic kinases responsible for safeguarding genome stability during mammalian cell division through the Gruneberg Lab. The Gullerova Lab is investigating the role of the RNA-binding protein TIRR in kidney cancer, while the Hassan Lab is examining lethality dependencies in cancers of mesenchymal origin. The Hinch Lab is studying mechanisms that shape and protect the genome in eggs and sperm. Additional projects focus on antimicrobial resistance, viral infection, cilia, organelle biology and bacterial pathogenesis. These include research into proteins involved in the outer membrane of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, viral infection in neuronal and intestinal environments, axonemal dynein transport to motile cilia, and the principles of organelle biogenesis. The Sanyal Lab is investigating flavivirus biogenesis and immune evasion, while the Slack Lab is exploring ways of controlling pks-positive E. coli to limit early-onset colorectal cancer. The Stracy Lab focuses on the spread of antibiotic resistance within the gut microbiome, while the Thurston Lab investigates bacterial virulence proteins. The Toropova and Roberts Labs are also offering a project using structural cell biology to investigate the directionality of microtubule-based transport. Funding and Programme Details The studentship competition is intended for applicants seeking funded entry in October 2027. The opportunity is based at the Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, in the United Kingdom. Applicants can select up to two supervisors or projects as part of their application. Each supervisor can accept only one student through the funded PhD programme for the relevant academic year. A research proposal is not required for the application, and applicants do not need to provide a studentship reference code. Eligibility and Application Requirements Applicants should review the official University of Oxford admission requirements for the DPhil in Molecular Cell Biology in Health and Disease before submitting an application. The programme is designed for candidates interested in advanced research into molecular and cellular mechanisms associated with health and disease. Applicants are encouraged to investigate the available research groups and identify projects that closely match their academic background and research interests. How to Apply Applicants do not have to contact a potential supervisor before applying, although the Dunn School strongly encourages prospective students to do so. Candidates can explore the research groups and contact potential supervisors whose work aligns with their interests. Applications must be submitted online through the University of Oxford graduate admissions system for the DPhil in Molecular Cell Biology in Health and Disease. The application deadline is noon on Tuesday, 1 December 2026. Applicants are also encouraged to make a college choice. The Dunn School has strong associations with Lincoln College and Reuben College, although applicants may select another Oxford college that accepts students from the programme. Interview Process Applications are initially screened and ranked by a panel of assessors. Candidates who are highly ranked during the assessment process may be invited to an interview. For the 2027 funded studentship competition, interviews are scheduled to take place online in January 2027. Applicants selected for interview will receive further information directly from the university. How to Strengthen an Application Applicants can strengthen their applications by carefully reviewing the advertised research projects, identifying projects that align with their academic and research experience, and clearly demonstrating their motivation for pursuing doctoral research. Early preparation is also important because applicants need to submit their online application before the December 2026 deadline. Reviewing the University of Oxford’s admissions requirements and researching prospective supervisors can help candidates prepare a focused application. Official Application Information The University of Oxford’s Sir William Dunn School of Pathology provides the official information about the projects, application requirements, interview process and deadline. Applicants should consult the official university pages for the most current information before submitting an application. Application Deadline: 1 December 2026 at noon Study Location: Oxford, United Kingdom Programme: DPhil in Molecular Cell Biology in Health and Disease Funding: Funded PhD studentship competition Expected Start: October 2027 VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY The opportunity is particularly relevant to prospective doctoral researchers seeking advanced training in molecular and cellular biology, cancer research, infectious diseases, genetics, microbiology, immunology and related biomedical sciences. For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. All opportunities are sourced from official announcements and external sources for informational purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to verify all details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements from the official source before applying. Opportunities may be updated or changed by the providing organisations.