Work and study opportunities

The generation and analysis of genome sequencing data is rapidly becoming a commonplace requirement in microbiology research laboratories and clinical and public health microbiology laboratories. However, many microbiologists shy away from incorporating genomics into their research or lab practices, feeling that extensive skills in bioinformatics are required to analyse such data.

This 5-day course is designed to provide microbiologists with the ability to perform high-level analysis of microbial genomic data sets, regardless of background knowledge or ability. A mixture of seminars from world leading researchers, discussion fora and guided hands-on training will provide participants with the skills and knowledge required to plan, design, and analyse data from microbial genomics based investigations, be they fundamental research or public health epidemiological investigations.

Find out more about this short course

We are proud to host a large number of independent research fellows at IMI. Supporting early-career researchers as they establish their independent research groups is a core aspect of what we do. Our Future Fellows scheme provides a forum for individuals who wish to apply for independent research fellowships to meet other like-minded individuals and to receive first class mentorship and support from senior colleagues within their field.

We welcome expressions of interest throughout the year. We hold several ‘Future Fellow Seminars’ per year, providing an opportunity to discuss your current research and future plans during a visit to IMI. To learn more, please email an expression of interest and your CV to Rachel Howes - r.howes@bham.ac.uk or, for informal academic enquiries, please contact Professor David Grainger (d.grainger@bham.ac.uk)

We have a fabulous, vibrant community of PhD students who have joined IMI from across the world to investigate challenges ranging from drug design to pathogen epidemiology. Many UK/EU students join IMI via one of our Doctoral Training Programmes funded by the Wellcome Trust, BBSRC or MRC. 

• Find out more about MIBTP
• Find out more about MRC IMPACT

Applicants outside of the EU can apply for funding via our dedicated Darwin Trust scheme (for non-EU citizens, or EU citizens who are not UK residents) please see Darwin Studentships for more information.

Alternatively, many of our international students hold their own fellowships from schemes such as the Islamic Development Bank, China Scholarship Council or similar organisations. If you are a talented international student with a strong CV and an interest in joining IMI, please send a short CV and statement of your research interest and details of the group(s) you are interested in to imi@contacts.bham.ac.uk and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Our MSc programme in Microbiology and Infection builds on our broad, world-leading research expertise. Students on this programme receive an unrivalled training in fundamental microbiology, disease pathogenesis and novel therapeutic/preventative strategies. 

There is a strong focus on cutting-edge research throughout, focusing on new approaches to global problems and providing students with a research-intensive training within one of the largest microbiology institutions in Europe.

Currently open only to those from the University of Birmingham school.

BactiVac catalyst funding

BactiVac Catalyst Funding for Pump-Priming Projects - Round 8

Round 8 of BactiVac Network catalyst funding for pump priming projects is now OPEN. Funding is available to support BactiVac Network members in bacterial vaccinology to explore new approaches and strategies to advance their vaccines in partnership with LMICs and industry, and acquire the data to support substantive funding applications. Submission deadline for applications is Sunday 03 March 2024, 23:59 (UK time).

Full details about the call are available on our website: BactiVac Catalyst Pump Priming Projects.

For more details and regular updates, please follow BactiVac on X (Twitter) @BactiVac using the hashtag #BactiVacFunding. You can also download BactiVac Catalyst Funding flyer to circulate and/or display within your organisation. For all queries, please email: bactivac@contacts.bham.ac.uk