The MPhil programme at the MRC Toxicology Unit aims to deliver advanced level training in mechanistic toxicology research and offers students the opportunity to undertake a period of supervised research followed by submission of a thesis, taught modules are not a component of the course. The MRC Toxicology Unit provides a supportive learning environment designed to meet the scientific and transferable skills required for an internationally competitive career.
Four MPhil studentship awards covering fees and maintenance for home students are available, these are funded by the Large Grant Contributions Fund at the University of Cambridge to support the Prosperity Partnership award from the Medical Research Council.
These MPhil studentships will undertake research projects that align with understanding the toxicities associated with nucleic acid-dependent therapies (NADTs) such as ASOs, siRNAs, and CRISPR-Cas9. These research projects will focus on mechanistic understanding of these toxicities, development of human-relevant testing systems and predictive modelling.
Students interested in these studentships should have a broad interest in undertaking a career in toxicology and be able to demonstrate a strong record of academic performance.
These studentship awards are designated to support applicants from underrepresented backgrounds to access postgraduate study at Cambridge. They are reserved for applicants who identify as/ identify as belonging to one of the following groups:
· Identifying as belonging to an underrepresented ethnic group.
· Granted refugee status in the UK.
· Mature students.
· Have received free school meals.
· At the time of applying for their undergraduate course, were living in one of the most deprived areas of the country.
· At the time of applying for their undergraduate course, were living in an area where it is unusual for young people to go to university.
· Were the first generation of their family to go to university.
· Entered university at undergraduate level from a Care background or a Foyer resident.
· Estranged from their family.
· Have caring responsibilities for an ill or disabled family member who could not manage without this help.
· Have been a single parent, or lone guardian of a young person who is aged under 18 and/or still in full-time education during their undergraduate degree course.
· Received full state support for maintenance for their course of undergraduate study.
Full eligibility requirements and closing date can be found on the MRC Toxicology Unit’s website.
Students are registered for their MPhil with the Postgraduate School of Life Sciences at the University of Cambridge and have membership of a University of Cambridge College.
The training needs specific to a particular research project will be identified and training will be provided in these areas, along with skills training in topics such as research ethics, statistics and bioinformatics. Students may also attend the week-long training event in toxicology provided by the Integrative Toxicology Training Partnership (ITTP) and the Toxicology Unit’s research seminars. In addition, students will be encouraged to attend topic-relevant seminars within the University.