PhD Study at the MRC Toxicology Unit
The MRC Toxicology Unit provides a supportive learning environment designed to meet the scientific and transferable skills required for an internationally competitive career. Our PhD Programme aims to train the scientific leaders of the future, giving them rewarding research projects with access to world-class facilities and expertise.
Our students receive toxicology-specific training throughout their PhD and have access to the training provided by the Integrative Toxicology Training Partnership (ITTP).
The PhD students at the MRC Toxicology Unit are integrated into the MRC doctoral training programme (DTP) of the University of Cambridge.
Students are registered for their PhD with the Postgraduate School of Life Sciences at the University of Cambridge and have membership of a University of Cambridge College.
World Class Facilities and Expertise
PhD students at the MRC Toxicology Unit benefit from the excellent Core Facilities that support and interact with the research programs to provide cutting-edge technology in Proteomics, Electron Microscopy, Advanced Imaging, Flow Cytometry, Histopathology and Bioinformatics.
Live cell imaging confocal, Cryo electron microscope, Mass spectrometry machine, Electron microscope
Student Testimonials
Rebekah Popovic - "The MRC Toxicology Unit offers expertise and excellent facilities, with state-of-the-art equipment and friendly staff, allowing you to successfully carry out your PhD research project." (Full testimonial)
Tom Mulroney - "The Unit benefits from several high quality research facilities and has productive collaborations with other academic groups and industry in the UK" (Full testimonial)
PhD Supervision
Each student is assigned a Principal Supervisor who is an expert in the student's research area. The Principal Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the students day to day research and general training activities, and is accessible to offer advice on all aspects of the PhD.
Students are also supported by an Academic Advisor with whom they will meet regularly to ensure they receive timely advice and support throughout their PhD.
The Supervisor and advisor support students to clarify their ideas and guide them to become independent researchers able to organise their own research and work on their own initiative. They encourage students to take advantage of the diverse training opportunities available for both scientific research skills and transferable skills
In addition, each student has a Project Committee that includes their Academic Advisor and one other senior member of the academic staff of the University. This Project Committee ensures that PhD studies remain on track throughout the studentship and provide further support.
Transferable Skills
Great emphasis is placed on transferable skills training by the Research Councils and the University of Cambridge and there are many opportunities for training. For example, the Postgraduate School of Life Sciences runs the excellent Researcher Development Programme and the Bioinformatics facility provide a wealth of training opportunities. Additional funding for high-cost training, policy internships and other exceptional training opportunities may be available through the MRC Flexible Supplement. The actual training you choose to take will be bespoke to your needs, which will be assessed by your supervisor.
Students attend the Unit's weekly seminar series, which covers a range of topics pertinent to the basic science that underpins modern toxicology research and the Masterclass seminar series. Toxicology-specific training is provided throughout the PhD and is supplemented by the training provided by the Integrative Toxicology Training Partnership (ITTP).
Students also benefit from the active researchers’ forum at the Unit, founded and run entirely by our postdoctoral researchers and students, which organises numerous lectures and events.
Funding
There are many funding opportunities at Cambridge from a wide variety of sources including the Cambridge Trust, Gates Cambridge, Colleges, Departments, Research Councils and central University funds. Note that there are differing deadlines for funding applications: www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/finance/funding
Prior to formally applying, candidates should Identify a potential Supervisor of interest and contact them to see if their research interests are aligned with that research group and to discuss funding opportunities. Candidates should consider why they are interested in applying for a PhD within a particular area of research at the Toxicology Unit. It is important to read and research the description of the research undertaken at the Unit prior to making an application: Research | MRC Toxicology Unit (cam.ac.uk). Applications without a named Supervisor will not be considered.
Enquiries should be directed to potential supervisors and full details of how to apply can be found here.