Department of Physiology Development and Neuroscience

Loke Centre for Trophoblast Research funded PhD Studentship

·
£33,000 ~ £65,000 (annual)
Fees (Home) , Fees (International) , Maintenance , Student visa cost , Student immigration health surcharge , Other (see below)
4.0 Years (Fixed Length)
Prospective applicant
PhD
Full Time, Part Time
Required
04 Nov 2025
January - March
2026/27

About

Founded in 2007, the Loke Centre for Trophoblast Research (Loke CTR) brings together 30 Principal Investigators with a shared interest in the scientific study of the placenta, early development and maternal-fetal interactions during pregnancy.

Our PIs are recognized international experts in their fields based across Cambridge in the Departments of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Pathology, Genetics, and allied institutes, including the Institute of Metabolic Science, Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease, the LMB, Babraham, and Wellcome Sanger Institute. A Loke CTR Studentship will be held within the relevant Department or Institute, where an internal Departmental Postgraduate Educational Committee is responsible for administering your degree.

The Loke CTR offers one fully-funded 4-year PhD studentship at home or overseas rates. Eligible PhD projects are advertised on our website.  Each project is jointly supervised by two Loke CTR research groups, providing interdisciplinary PhD training in placental and reproductive biology.

Award details

£33,000 ~ £65,000 (annual)
4.0 Years (Fixed Length)
Fees (Home) Fees (International) Maintenance Student visa cost Student immigration health surcharge Other (see below)

Loke CTR PhD Studentships will cover all University and College fees for home students. In addition, we provide a competitive stipend rate of £22,00 per year:

  • Year 1: £22,000
  • Year 2: £22,000
  • Year 3: £22,000
  • Year 4: £22,000

In addition, the studentship supports research and training opportunities with the following additional contributions:

  • Justified research expenses and consumables: £15,000 (£3,750 per year)
  • Travel funds for conference attendance: £750
1
2026/27
No
Academic merit Other (see below)

Potential as a researcher in placental and reproductive biology and appropriate research experience.

Our PhD students have access to unique training opportunities to prepare them for successful careers in research. Students will present their research by giving seminars at our annual Loke CTR Away Days and Annual Meetings and attend a variety of seminars given by distinguished scientists with the Loke Centre and affiliated Department or Institute. There are also opportunities to participate and present in interdisciplinary seminars hosted by Cambridge Reproduction Interdisciplinary Research Centre of which the Loke CTR is a founding member. Students will gain training in our Placental Biology Course and receive support from the Loke CTR to attend international meetings. Loke Centre PhD students will also become members of the Postgraduate School of the Life Sciences, which organises and promotes many further training opportunities.

Eligibility

Prospective applicant
PhD
Full Time Part Time
15 departments/schools, See full list
Department / School
10 courses, See full list
Course

Prospective students should review the currently advertised PhD projects and are strongly encouraged to contact potential supervisors in advance of applying. Initial enquiries to potential supervisors should be made as early as possible.

Application Process

No
Yes

The full application procedure is outlined on the Loke CTR website: https://www.trophoblast.cam.ac.uk/phd-studentships/selection-process

Once you have identified a potential supervisor(s) and project(s), you should make a formal application by submitting the following application materials to phd.lokectr@pdn.cam.ac.uk by 4th November 2025:

1. A completed application form with the following information:

  • List of 3 possible PhD supervisors ranked in order of preference.
  • Personal statement (up to 500 words) outlining your motivation for pursuing PhD research at the Loke CTR, choice of one or more PhD supervisors from the "Current Projects on offer" section
  • List of any relevant research experience, lab-based courses, or other relevant activities.
  • The names and contact details of two academic or research project references.


Please direct your references to complete a reference request and submit the completed form to our online portal by 4th November 2025: https://www.trophoblast.cam.ac.uk/academic-reference-submission-portal. This is in addition to references requested through your University application.

2. Curriculum-vitae (up to four pages). Please do not include a headshot with your CV.

3. Transcript of your undergraduate results

4. Evidence of competence in English (if required – you can check using the University tool). If possible, please submit test results with your application. Otherwise, please inform us of the status of your English test using the form listed on our website.

Key dates

04 Nov 2025
January - March
Last updated: 08 Sep 2025 10:36:24