Molecular Microbiology & Immunology

Introduction

The goal of the MMI doctoral program is to train independent scientists to take leading roles in advancing our understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that drive infectious and immune diseases.  The specific goals listed below are designed to foster ingenuity, creativity and critical thinking in students that will enable them to recognize and solve key problems in infectious and immunological diseases of public health importance.

A majority of the content of the MMI PhD Student Guidebook can also be found at School's resources page - see https://www.jhsph.edu/offices-and-services/student-affairs/resources/.  In addition, MMI PhD Student Guidebook contains other practical information that is included for your convenience and consideration.

Learning Outcomes

MMI PhD students will:

• Attain an in-depth understanding of the molecular and cellular basis for infectious and immunological diseases through structured course work, informal instruction, mentoring, and firsthand knowledge gained during dissertation research.
• Develop the ability to critically analyze scientific data.
• Learn how to create sound hypotheses and to test hypotheses employing the scientific method.
• Attain a broad understanding of the theory, utility, and limitations of classic and modern scientific approaches and techniques.
• Develop the ability to adapt current methods or to develop a new methodology to address specific scientific problems.
• Acquire the communication skills necessary to effectively report research findings to other scientists as well as to the non-scientific community.
• Gain an appreciation for the tenets of professional and scientific ethics.

The Department's Graduate Program Committee (GPC) and faculty constantly monitor the components of the MMI graduate program for its effectiveness. Adjustments are made when necessary to maintain an optimal balance of didactic, literature-based, and technical training.

Professional Development

In addition to the commitment to enhancing their scientific knowledge base, critical thinking and research skills, MMI is equally dedicated to students development as a science professionals. Experience teaches that students who start the process of formulating and refining a career plan early in their academic career have a better chance of achieving their goals.  In this spirit, MMI requires that starting in their first year each student participate in the structured career and professional development OPTIONS program offered by the Johns Hopkins Professional Development and Career Office (PDCO).  This multi-year program is designed to help students identify career objectives and systematically devise and implement a strategic plan to achieve their goals.  This plan includes a series of programs - Career Exploration, Career Development, and Career Readiness - that provide opportunities to explore career options, train in and develop valuable professional skill sets, and even gain hands on experience as an intern in their field of interest.  In addition, PDCO holds Career Clinics to aid students in preparing winning resumes, CVs, and web pages to prepare them to enter the marketplace.  See the PDCO web site for details of the program.  https://pdco.med.jhmi.edu/.  The progress and direction developed through the PDCO program will be monitored at each Thesis Advisory Committee meeting and documented in each student's customized Individual Development Plan (IDP).

In addition to the program offered by the PDCO, MMI has academic offerings designed to assist students with professional development such as the required course Scientific Grant Writing (260.625) and the elective Business of Academic Biomedical Research (260.815).

Johns Hopkins Teaching Academy

The Teaching Academy serves as an exceptional graduate and post-doctoral fellow professional development program.  The Teaching Academy offers PhD students and post-doctoral fellows, college-level teacher training and academic career preparation opportunities through courses, workshops, teaching practicums, teaching as research fellowship appointments and individual consultation.  The Teaching Academy is located in the Center for Educational Resources (CER) in the Garrett Room of the Milton S. Eisenhower Library on the Homewood campus.  How to find us:  https://cer.jhu.edu/teaching-academy.

NOTE: Teaching or outside work: Federal law stipulates a maximum of 19 hours for paid work outside of laboratory thesis work.  All paid fellowships, part-time working opportunities and teaching need to be discussed with the student's primary adviser.

Career Resources

The Career Services Office at the Bloomberg School helps students, alumni, faculty, staff and employers navigate the world of public health jobs.  Career Services Office provides valuable resources to assist students in the process. Specifically, the Bloomberg School's Career Services Office provides career coaching, resume preparation, a database of jobs and internships, and networking opportunities.

Hopkins invests in developing global perspectives so students can be engaged citizens wherever they are.

As a global university with students from all over the world, we welcome all kinds of experiences and new ways of thinking. We’re here to connect international students with the resources you need to become leaders and active members in our community and beyond. 

Please email [email protected] with any general international admissions questions. You can also email your regional admissions counselor if you have any questions specific to the area where you live or study.