Immunologist : Training

In academic settings, a research degree can be regarded as training for this type of work. This is usually in the form of a PhD, which is undertaken full time over a minimum of three years (although four-year PhDs with a stronger element of formal training are becoming more common). Part-time PhDs are also available.

Most PhD research is either self-funded or funded by universities, research councils or trusts. The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)  is a major funder of immunological research. Students are supported by a PhD supervisor, who is usually an established scientist. All research students are also entitled to receive formal training, which is either provided by the institution or by Vitae . Postdoctoral training is rare, although attendance and presentation of material at conferences is common.

Outside academia, immunologists attend technical courses to address specific areas. Larger pharmaceutical companies run many internal courses and also develop scientific staff through attendance at national meetings. Immunologists must keep up to date with research techniques and new developments, so many employers will support activities that promote this development.