A CIMR PhD in Medical Science is carried out under the close supervision of a Principal Investigator based in the institute. Connecting the fine details of how cells work with the big picture of human disease is the fastest route to both scientific breakthroughs and therapeutic advances. Research at the CIMR links molecules, mechanisms and medicine by using insights from fundamental biology to inform understanding of human disease and vice versa.
Our PhD programme provides students with cutting-edge skills and specialist knowledge in biomedical research, as well broader training to prepare them for the next stage of their career. CIMR is a highly collaborative and supportive institute, and you will be joining a dynamic and diverse group of students and researchers.
If you are interested in taking the next step in carrying out a substantive research project at the interface of Molecules, Mechanism and Medicine, you should:
- browse the projects below (listed by Supervisor)
- pick one that is in your area of interest
- contact the Supervisor to discuss your application
- if the Supervisor supports your application, apply for funding using the process and deadlines outlined below
To apply for Gates U.S. Funding the deadline is mid-October 2025 (for October 2026 intake).
To apply for Cambridge Funding the deadline is 2nd December 2025 (for October 2026 intake).
To apply for a self-funded PhD the deadline is 15th April 2026 (for October 2026 intake).
Available Funding |
CIMR offers the following opportunities for PhD funding. Fully-funded opportunities include:
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MRC Doctoral Training Programme iCASE PhD Studentship with Dr Jennifer Dickens
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Harding Distinguished Postgraduate Scholarships in rare disease biology with either Dr Melissa Gammons or Dr Jennifer Dickens
Others are available through the School of Clinical Medicine competitive process:
If you are nominated for DTP-MR or MRC iCASE funding, you will be required to attend an additional interview (in late February/early March) organised by the School of Clinical Medicine. Further details will be provided if you are nominated and shortlisted for an interview.
Applicants must tick the box in the application form to be considered for University funding if you'd like to be considered for these Department funds, as well as various other University funding possibilities. Please note that these are competitive, so it's also advised to seek out your own external scholarships.
During the application process, applicants can also apply for scholarships available through Gates Cambridge. Competitive awards for postgraduate training fellowships can be also obtained through some medical research charities.
There are further opportunities for clinical trainees as CIMR PIs participate in the PhD Programme for Health Professionals at Cambridge and East Anglia; the School of Clinical Medicine additionally runs an MB/PhD programme.
PhD Projects for 2026-27 |
How Altered Sphingolipid Metabolism Causes Devastating Brain Diseases
Lipids play crucial roles in both cell structure and signalling, with glycosphingolipids (GSLs) being especially important in brain cells. The Deane lab uses human iPSC-derived brain cell models and CRISPR/Cas9 to study how disruptions in GSL metabolism affect cellular functions and contribute to neurological diseases. This PhD project will investigate links between rare early-onset and common late-onset brain disorders, including how altered GSL levels impact intercellular communication.
Dr Jenny Dickens (MRC iCASE studentship)
This project aims to identify novel drivers of fibrotic interstitial lung disease and validate key findings using complex co-culture models of the alveolar niche.
Wnt Signalling in Neurodevelopmental Disorders
This project investigates how dysregulated Wnt signalling affects brain development in conditions like cerebral palsy, developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEE), and neurodevelopmental disorders with structural brain defects (NEDSEDV). By using induced pluripotent stem cell-derived brain cell models, the project aims to understand how patient-specific changes in Wnt signalling disrupt cellular differentiation and function providing mechanistic insights into these severe neurodevelopmental conditions.
Investigating the Mechanisms of Wnt/ROR Signalling in Robinow Syndrome
This project explores how disruptions in the non-canonical Wnt/ROR signalling pathway, contribute to the developmental defects seen in Robinow Syndrome, a rare condition characterised by skeletal and craniofacial abnormalities. By studying how genetic variants disrupt this pathway in cell-based assays, super-resolution microscopy, and proteomic profiling, the project aims to uncover the underlying biology and explore possible treatment strategies.
The Machinery and Biophysical Environment of the Secretory Pathway
Molecular Neurocell Biology: Understanding Subcellular Trafficking Events in Human Neurons
The Gershlick Lab studies how cells build and maintain their surface through the secretory pathway - the system that delivers proteins and lipids from the Golgi to the plasma membrane. We use advanced imaging, machine learning, proteomics, and CRISPR-based tools to uncover how this machinery is organised at a molecular level and how its disruption contributes to human disease.
Engineering Reporter Systems to Identify Suppressors of Non-Canonical mTOR Pathway Dysregulation
Z-alpha-1 antitrypsin polymerises within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and we have shown that this alters chaperone mobility. This project will investigate the mechanisms linking disrupted ER function to hepatocyte toxicity. Relevant publications: Science Advances (PMID: 35394846); Nature Genetics (PMID: 40065168).
Using organoid technology and multi-omics to identify vulnerabilities in pleural mesothelioma.
Pleural mesothelioma is an incurable cancer caused by asbestos exposure. This project employs mesothelioma organoids, whole-genome sequencing, transcriptomic profiling, genome-wide CRISPR screens, and drug screening to dissect the cell biology of the disease and identify therapeutic vulnerabilities. Relevant publication: European Respiratory Journal (PMID: 38212075).
CRUK Clinical Research Training Fellowship (closing date: 18th November)
Exploring the impact of mechanical forces on organelle behaviour in health and disease
Across the body, mechanical forces sculpt cellular identity and survival, and their disruption underlies major diseases including cancer and atherosclerosis. Using quantitative microscopy, synthetic reporters and mechanistic cell biology, this project will determine how organelles remodel under changing mechanical conditions to support cellular functions.
Investigating the role of organelle communication pathways in neuronal activity and neurodegeneration
Communication pathways between organelles underpin neuronal function and are disrupted in diseases such as ALS and Parkinson’s. This project combines calcium imaging and targeted CRISPR screens to uncover new machinery that supports organelle cross-talk during neuronal activity and is disrupted in neurodegenerative disease.
Structure/Function Studies of the Machinery of Membrane Trafficking Pathways
Membrane trafficking is central to cellular life, with mutations in many of its components leading to a wide range of pathophysiological states. With our close collaborators, we seek to understand how membrane trafficking and organelle biogenesis processes work from atomic level mechanistic studies using X-ray crystallography and cryo electron microscopy through to cutting edge ‘in cell’ studies.
Host-Parasite Interactions Between Malaria Parasites and Human Red Blood Cells
Molecular and cellular approaches to understanding malaria parasite - erythrocyte interactions in order to identify and prioritise new drug and vaccine targets.
Cells Within Cells: How do Bacteria Adapt to the Intracellular Niche?
The Salje lab study how certain bacteria have evolved to live exclusively in eukaryotic cells, and in some cases cause human and animal infectious diseases. By combining genomics, bacterial physiology, and pathogenic mechanism studies, our aim is to translate scientific insights into better diagnostics and treatments for these serious global infectious diseases.
Ribosome Assembly in Health and Disease
This PhD project will combine biochemical, genetic and high-resolution imaging techniques to determine molecular mechanisms of ribosome assembly and elucidate how defects in this process cause human disease. The work will generate key insights that can be leveraged for therapeutic intervention.
Prof Rayner, Dr Gershlick, Dr Nixon-Abell and Prof Weekes also have listed projects on the NIH Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Programme (NIH OxCam).
PhD Recruitment Process and Timeline (for October 2026 entry) |
September 2025 - Applications Open
Early December 2025* - Funding Application Deadline
January 2026 - Interviews
April 2026 - Final Application Deadline
March-July 2026 - University Admission Process
October 2026 - PhD Starts
* U.S. students wanting to apply for Gates funding may have an earlier funding application deadline.
Process:
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Applicants are required to identify a potential supervisor prior to applying, to discuss the possibility of supervision, their proposed research project and funding options.
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If there is mutual interest in supporting an application, then funding and application options will be developed by you and the supervisor.
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If you have been advised to make a formal application, please apply via the applicant portal.
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Please submit only one application to each course. If applying to more than one lab for the same course, please list all proposed supervisor names on your application form (it is a free text box) and include separate paragraphs in the 'Research Summary' to explain the project you'd do in each lab. We recommend applying to no more than two supervisors.
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It is your responsibility to ensure that your references are provided by the application deadline. We suggest that you notify your referees of this requirement, as soon as possible, before you submit your application.
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All applications for Cambridge funding must be submitted by 2nd December 2025, including all references.
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CIMR will then assess all applications and nominate candidates for Clinical School managed funding based on the criteria of the specific schemes and the strength of the applications.
Please email Amanda Goldsmith (Postgraduate Students Administrator) at phdadmin@cimr.cam.ac.uk with any further questions.
Further details on this course including eligibility requirements, funding possibilities and the application process on our dedicated course page.
Widening Participation |
We believe that science is at its best when all talented individuals have an opportunity to contribute their ideas and inspiration, regardless of background. If you love your subject, have an aptitude for study or research, and have gained, or are on course for, a good Upper Second class degree (or overseas equivalent, see here), we would very much like to hear from you.
CIMR is committed to widening participation (WP) initiatives, leading several within the institute such as Inspiring Scientists at CIMR/MBU and co-leading University-wide initiatives such as the Experience Postgrad Life Sciences programme. Further details about the University’s commitment to widening participation (WP) in postgraduate study are available here.