Project Overview
About the Position
The Loke Centre for Trophoblast Research at the University of Cambridge offers a 4-year fixed-term PhD studentship in placental biology. The studentship is based within the Centre's network of laboratories spanning the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience and clinical departments, and provides an annual stipend of GBP 22,000 together with payment of university fees for the full four years. Research at the Centre addresses how the placenta develops and functions in health and disease, with implications for pregnancy complications such as fetal growth restriction and pre-eclampsia.
The successful candidate will join a research environment that integrates cell and organoid models, human placental tissue studies and advanced imaging to investigate trophoblast development and function. Students in the Centre benefit from dedicated supervision, core facilities and a vibrant community of reproductive scientists, and the studentship is designed to carry the student through to a completed PhD with conference travel and training support.
Research Environment and Application
Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a master's or outstanding bachelor's degree in a relevant life-science discipline such as developmental biology, cell biology, physiology, biomedical sciences or medicine. Applications are made through the University of Cambridge job board listing, with shortlisting by the Centre's project supervisors. The Loke Centre is one of the few dedicated trophoblast research centres worldwide, and its alumni now hold faculty positions internationally, making this studentship a strong entry point into reproductive biology research.
Highlights
- 4-year fixed-term PhD studentship in placental biology
- GBP 22,000 annual stipend plus university fees
- Dedicated trophoblast research centre at Cambridge
- Organoid, tissue and advanced-imaging approaches
- Supervision across preclinical and clinical departments
- Conference travel and research training support
Funding and Duration
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Award or position | PhD fellowship / salaried position |
| Stipend / salary | GBP 22,000 per year stipend + university fees covered (4 years) |
| Duration | Four years (fixed-term studentship) |
Eligibility and Requirements
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Applicant eligibility | Worldwide |
| Academic preparation | Master's degree in a relevant life-sciences discipline (or expecting completion before start) |
| Language | English proficiency required |
Application dates
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment status | Open |
| Deadline | 3 November 2026 |
| Location | Cambridge, United Kingdom |
About University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge is a collegiate research university in Cambridge, England, founded in 1209. It offers undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral education across the sciences, engineering, humanities and social sciences. Its departments, research institutes and colleges support academic inquiry and international collaboration, providing a setting for advanced study and scholarship.
Official details: Read the programme or project information
Application route: Follow the official application instructions
Contact
Questions about this position, eligibility or the application process should be raised through the contact channel given on the official announcement page (see the Official Link section above). Always quote the position reference in your message so the admissions or HR team can route your enquiry quickly.
Important Notes
- Application deadline: 3 November 2026 - late or incomplete applications are normally not considered.
- Listing details were recorded from the official source at the time of publication; always confirm the latest requirements on the official page before applying.
- Prepare the documents listed in the eligibility and application sections before starting the online form - transcripts, CV and references take the longest to collect.
How to Apply
Submit your application through the official page before the deadline: 3 November 2026. Read the eligibility requirements carefully and prepare all requested documents - early applications are strongly recommended for competitive awards.
Open the official application page ↗
Application guides
- PhD Interview Preparation: Research Questions and Clear Answers
- A 12-Month Study Abroad Application Plan for Master's and PhD Applicants
Official Link
https://www.cam.ac.uk/jobs/loke-centre-for-trophoblast-research-phd-studentship-fixed-term-pm51273
Frequently asked questions
Drawn from this listing's own record. Always confirm the details on the official source before applying.
What is the deadline for Loke Centre for Trophoblast Research PhD Studentship (Placental Biology) - University of Cambridge, United Kingdom?
The application deadline is 3 November 2026. Applications received after that date are not considered, so treat it as a hard cut-off (Europe/London time) and leave time for references and transcripts. Closing time not specified — confirm with the provider before you leave it until the last day: the source names Europe/London but gives no clock time.
Is Loke Centre for Trophoblast Research PhD Studentship (Placental Biology) - University of Cambridge, United Kingdom fully funded?
This is a fully funded award: tuition is covered and a living stipend is provided for the duration of the programme. £22,000/year + university fees covered.
Who is eligible to apply for Loke Centre for Trophoblast Research PhD Studentship (Placental Biology) - University of Cambridge, United Kingdom?
This opportunity is open to applicants worldwide. Host-country status is not a requirement, although you must still satisfy the visa rules for United Kingdom. Applications are assessed by University of Cambridge.
How do I apply for Loke Centre for Trophoblast Research PhD Studentship (Placental Biology) - University of Cambridge, United Kingdom?
Applications for Loke Centre for Trophoblast Research PhD Studentship (Placental Biology) - University of Cambridge, United Kingdom are submitted directly to University of Cambridge through the provider's own application portal — use the Apply button on this page to open it. NextApply does not process applications or charge a fee.
Is an English proficiency test required for Loke Centre for Trophoblast Research PhD Studentship (Placental Biology) - University of Cambridge, United Kingdom?
Yes — an English-language certificate is required for this listing. Check the exact band expected on the official source, since it can differ by programme. Requirements for United Kingdom are published by the provider.
What study level does Loke Centre for Trophoblast Research PhD Studentship (Placental Biology) - University of Cambridge, United Kingdom offer?
This listing is offered at PhD level. That describes the qualification on offer, not a credential you must already hold — check the provider's stated entry requirements before applying.
Hosted by
University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge is a collegiate research university in Cambridge, England, founded in 1209. It offers undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral education across the sciences, engineering, humanities and social sciences. Its departments, research institutes and colleges support academic inquiry and international collaboration, providing a setting for advanced study and scholarship.
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