PhD Studies in MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit,  the University of Cambridge

The MBU’s PhD programme is run by the Unit’s Postgraduate Education Committee (PGEC). Our primary focus is on learning by being embedded in a world-leading laboratory, closely supervised by one of our group leaders. Every student also undertakes the Unit’s formal training programme. In the first year, they attend our lecture course on mitochondrial biology and medicine, plus a number of training courses prescribed by the University. They present a short talk to the Unit at the start of the year, laying out their project plans. At the end of their first year, each student submits a formal report on their work that is assessed in an oral examination by two of the Unit’s group leaders. They also take a separate oral examination testing their knowledge of mitochondrial biology and medicine. In their second year, we hold a joint student poster session with our partner institute in The Keith Peters Building (Cambridge Institute for Medical Research) and then each MBU student presents their poster to the Unit in a seminar format. Then, towards the end of their studies, each student presents their achievements in a formal research seminar. Throughout their studies our students are actively encouraged to take advantage of a broad range of training opportunities both within and outside the Unit and the wider University. For example, the University provides courses on scientific writing, good research practice, ethics and integrity, intellectual property rights, communication skills, project management and career planning. Our students are further encouraged to attend seminars, lectures and workshops that are relevant and interesting to them, selected from the huge range available in Cambridge, and we support them in attending both national and international conferences to present their work, form new contacts and connections, and broaden their knowledge. We fund every student to attend at last one international conference during their studentship and encourage them to apply for additional funding from their Colleges, and elsewhere. Finally, all our students are members of the Unit’s Postgraduate Student Society. The Postgraduate Student Society plans and runs a regular series of events, including journal clubs and social events, and provides a forum through which issues of concern to students can be raised, and communicated and discussed with the Unit’s PGEC and Director.

Students who either are UK nationals or have established UK residency are eligible for the award of a full UKRI/MRC studentship. The formal rules for eligibility for “Home” status can be found here.

The various Postgraduate Open Days of the University will run from 31 October until 13 November 2022.  They will provide opportunities for potential students to ask questions, to find out more about the application process, and to explore Cambridge virtually. The MBU Director of Studies, Professor Edmund Kunji, will be participating in a live session on Wednesday, 2 November.

Also, listed below, are a number of virtual events scheduled during October.  Sign up via this link: Postgraduate Open Days.

• 5 October, 5-6pm: Student Life and Support
• 12 October, 5-6pm: An introduction to Cambridge – understanding Postgraduate at a collegiate University
• 19 October, 5-6pm: Part-time postgraduate programmes at Cambridge: An essential part of a ‘balanced diet’ of lifelong learning?

Collation and circulation

Immediately after the 5 January closing date, all applications will be downloaded from the University’s application portal and circulated to potential supervisors. Open applications will be circulated to all supervisors.

Interview process

Interviews will be arranged as part of an MBU “Open Day”. The interview panel will consist of four group leaders, who will interview and rank all candidates. Ranked applicants’ papers will be considered by the Postgraduate Education Committee. Approval of offers will be communicated to the supervisor(s) and then the applicant, informally, by the supervisor.

Information for prospective applicants to the Clinical School and its associated Departments can be found on the School’s postgraduate study website, which also has a link to information on clinical academic training, including the MB/PhD Programme.