Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases
We lead efforts to treat and prevent infectious diseases by conducting pioneering research into the biological, chemical, and genetic factors behind pathogens.
Degree Programs
The department provides a unique multidisciplinary training environment for PhD students. Students dive deeply into a specific aspect of immunology and infectious disease in their own thesis research while gaining broad exposure through interactions with our close community in the department and across the School. Students in IID engage in research rotations and courses in their first year, followed by full-time research. Coursework spans molecular and cellular biology, computational methods, and infectious diseases biology (e.g. Biology and Control of Vector Borne Parasitic Diseases, Microbial Pathogenesis and Host Immune Responses). In a typical week, a student whose research focuses on the genetics of TB drug resistance might also attend a departmental work-in-progress talk from a student working on immune responses to HIV and a departmental seminar from an outside leader reporting progress on a TB control program from a specific country. Many students also have the opportunity to travel within the US and globally as part of collaborative research projects.
PhD students can join IID thesis labs through through any of the PhD programs in the “Harvard Integrated Life Sciences” (HILS) consortium.
Most of our students come via the Biological Sciences in Public Health program (BPH), the Biological and Biomedical Sciences program (BBS), Virology program, and Immunology program. All students are guaranteed full tuition and salary stipend.
PhD Programs
PhD Program at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Students wishing to study cellular and molecular biology, immunology, virology, or physiology as it pertains to major problems in public health should apply to the PhD program offered by the Division of Biological Sciences through Harvard University’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Led by faculty director Dr. Flaminia Catteruccia from IID, the program is designed to train scientists in state-of-the-art concepts and methods in immunology, immune system disorders, virology, the biology of parasites, or important infectious diseases.
PhD Programs at Harvard Medical School
The Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS) Program at Harvard offers Ph.D. training in the biosciences, built outward from core training in contemporary genetics, biochemistry, and molecular, cellular, and mechanistic biology. Under the BBS umbrella are eight engaging research communities comprised of basic science departments and interdepartmental programs at Harvard Medical School.
The curriculum currently focuses on genetic regulation of the immune response, molecular mechanisms of the regulation of class II genes, and the function and regulation of T-cell-derived cytokines. Students take courses in cell biology, immunology, and molecular immunology.
Immunology and molecular biology of parasitic and other infections
This area of interest introduces students to recent advances in the biology of parasitic and infectious diseases and provides background for conducting research on these diseases. The program emphasizes molecular biology, immunology, cell biology, and the epidemiology of parasites.
Infectious disease epidemiology and tropical public health
This area of interest provides a solid understanding of epidemiology, ecology, and control of infectious diseases in developing countries. It emphasizes control and prevention measures and the biological basis of diseases caused by pathogens that range from viruses to parasites.
This area of interest is designed to prepare a future generation of experts for new developments in the pathogenesis and prevention of AIDS and other infectious diseases. At present the program emphasizes the epidemiology, biology, and vaccinology of AIDS as an example of a complex infectious disease. Students take courses in virology, vaccine development, and related fields.
Additional Training Opportunities
Our PhD students are also eligible to join supplemental concentrations that provide close communities with additional opportunities for scientific training, career and professional development, mentorship, and friendships. We’ve included a few popular programs below.
- Harvard Graduate Program in Bacteriology
- Harvard Infectious Diseases Consortium
- Harvard Therapeutics Graduate Program
- Leder Human Biology and Translational Medicine Program
- HSPH Interdisciplinary Concentrations (e.g. Infectious Disease Epidemiology)
- University-wide Secondary Fields (e.g. Science, Technology, and Society)
We encourage applicants from all backgrounds and identities. To learn more about application resources, fee waivers, affinity groups, and other supports for Harvard PhD students, please visit