Overview
The Centre for Trophoblast Research (CTR) offers excellent opportunities for training in research, leading to the degree of PhD (Doctor of Philosophy). The CTR PhD studentships may be held in the Departments of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Pathology and allied institutes, including Metabolic Science, as well as the Babraham and Gurdon Institutes.
It is our aim to develop in our students the skills required to submit a satisfactory PhD thesis at the end of three or four years, or part-time over five years. To achieve this, a student will have acquired the essential skills required to design and conduct experiments (including applying for ethics approval where necessary), to analyse results, and to communicate these both in writing and orally. These skills will include those that can be transferred successfully to their choice of academic or other careers.
A PhD in the CTR is achieved by supervised research and is under the jurisdiction of the Degree Committee for the Faculty of Biology at the University of Cambridge. The Postgraduate School of Life Science also helps, by providing additional transferable skills training. One CTR studentship is generously co-sponsored by King’s College Cambridge, where one of the students will be based. Any additional CTR studentships may be affiliated with any one of the University of Cambridge Colleges. Within the relevant Department or Institute that the student is affiliated with there is an internal Departmental Postgraduate Educational Committee who is responsible for all aspects of running of the degree. A suitable project falling within the interests of the CTR-affiliated supervisor, is agreed by both student and supervisor, and endorsed by the Postgraduate Committee at the point of admission.
Students attend a variety of seminars given by distinguished scientists with the CTR and affiliated Department or Institute and are also able to present their research by giving seminars at our annual CTR Away Days and Annual Meetings. There are also opportunities to participate and present in seminars hosted by the Cambridge Reproduction Strategic Research Initiative of which the CTR is a founding member. Students will have an opportunity to gain training in our Placental Biology Course and the CTR supports PhD students to attend international meetings.
The majority of students start in October, but it is also possible to start in January or April. Full information on potential supervisors and research projects can be found on the CTR website. Candidates are required to contact potential supervisors in advance of applying. Initial enquiries to potential supervisors should be made as early as possible.