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
03 Nov 2026
January - March
2027/28

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
2027/28
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 a wide range of training and development opportunities to help prepare them for successful research careers.

Students present their research at the annual Loke CTR Away Day and Annual Meeting. They can also attend seminars and other scientific events organised by the Loke CTR and their host Department or Institute.

The Loke CTR is a founding member of Cambridge Reproduction. Through this network, students can take part in events, training and networking activities. These provide opportunities to connect with researchers from different disciplines and to become involved in research, policy, public engagement and other areas.

Students also receive training through our Placental Biology Course and support from the Loke CTR to attend international conferences. In addition, they become members of the Postgraduate School of the Life Sciences, which provides many further training and career-development 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

Full details of the application process are available on the Loke CTR website: https://www.trophoblast.cam.ac.uk/phd-studentships/selection-process

After you have chosen the project or projects that interest you, please email the following documents to phd.lokectr@pdn.cam.ac.uk.

The application deadline is 23:59 GMT on 3 November 2026.


Documents you must submit

1. Completed application form

Your application form must include:

  • Three possible PhD supervisors, listed in order of preference.
  • A personal statement of no more than 500 words. Please explain why you want to undertake PhD research at the Loke CTR and why you have chosen your preferred supervisor or supervisors from the “Current Projects on offer” section.
  • Details of any relevant research experience, laboratory-based courses or other relevant activities.
  • The names and contact details of two people who will provide academic or research references for you.

2. Curriculum vitae (CV)

Your CV must be no more than four pages. Please do not include a photograph.

3. Academic transcripts

You must provide a transcript showing the results from your undergraduate degree.

You must also provide transcripts for any other relevant undergraduate or postgraduate degrees, such as a Master’s degree. If you are still studying for a degree, please provide your most recent transcript showing your results so far.

4. Evidence of your English-language ability, if required

Use the University’s online tool to check whether you need to provide evidence of your English-language ability.

If possible, please submit your English-language test results with your application. If you have not yet received your results, please tell us the current status of your English-language test using the form provided on our website.


References

Ask each of your two referees to complete the online reference form. Each referee must submit a separate form by 23:59 GMT on 3 November 2026.

When a reference has been submitted successfully, both the referee and the applicant will receive a confirmation email. The confirmation will be sent to the email addresses entered on the reference form.

Key dates

03 Nov 2026
January - March
Last updated: 09 Sep 2026 11:35:15