Why join the MRC WIMM?

Fully funded

Our MRC WIMM Prize studentships are fully-funded for four-years and include a stipend of £18,000 pa, as well as University and College fees. There is no rotation in the first year, and you will start directly in your lab of choice. The MRC WIMM also has a Student Travel Fund to support travel to conferences, and students may have access to additional funding sources via their college and department.

Stimulating academic environment

The MRC WIMM is an Institute that brings together researchers from several departments across the University of Oxford, with a shared passion for molecular biology research with a translational impact. We cover five core research areas: rare diseases, haematology, immunology and infection, stem cells and developmental biology and cancer biology. We host two MRC Units (Molecular Haematology Unit and Human Immunology Unit) and the MRC WIMM Centre for Computational Biology. You will have the opportunity to closely interact with researchers from a variety of fields, both via our internal seminars, our annual MRC WIMM day or just by meeting in the coffee room. You will also be exposed to a variety of internationally-renowned invited speakers, both within the Institute and the wider University.

Training and development opportunities

At the MRC WIMM you will be able to develop your skills, both inside and outside your lab. We run an annual course on methods and techniques for new postgraduate students, and our Centre for Computational Biology offers several courses on computational biology. In addition, you will have access to a variety of courses across the University of Oxford, covering topics such as statistics, microscopy, thesis writing and public engagement. You will participate in lab meetings and journal clubs, and join other labs in topic-specific group meetings and seminars. You will also be encouraged to attend national and international scientific meetings as part of your training and you can also join our mentoring scheme.

Supportive environment

During your time at the MRC WIMM you will have access to several sources of support. In addition to your supervisor, you will have a thesis committee that will meet annually to advise on your academic work and monitor your progress. The Graduate Studies Committee is there to support all students at the MRC WIMM, and any concerns can be voiced through student representatives. In addition, the MRC WIMM Graduate Student Association (WGSA) provides peer support, and fully trained Peer Supporters provide a listening ear for those with welfare concerns.

Join a community

As a postgraduate student at the MRC WIMM you will be part of a group of over 100 students at the Institute. The WGSA is the MRC WIMM student body, providing social and academic activities and peer support to students at any stage.

You will also be part of the broader MRC WIMM community. Our coffee room is the focal point for interactions within the Institute, but there are also specific events across the year, such as the Annual MRC WIMM research Day, the Institute’s Christmas party and the MRC WIMM quiz.