The Loke Centre for Trophoblast Research (Loke CTR) at the University of Cambridge is offering fully funded 4-year PhD Studentships for both home and overseas students for the 2025/2026 academic year. The programme provides outstanding training in placental biology, reproductive science, and early development, offering students the opportunity to work with world-leading researchers across multiple Cambridge departments and institutes.
To be eligible, applicants must hold or expect to obtain a strong first or upper second-class degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field such as biology, biomedical sciences, or a related discipline. They should demonstrate a keen interest in placental or reproductive biology and meet the University of Cambridge’s English language requirements if applicable.
The University of Cambridge is a prestigious public collegiate research university located in Cambridge, England. It was founded in 1209 by scholars who left the University of Oxford after a dispute with local townspeople, making it the world’s third-oldest university in continuous operation. It received a royal charter in 1231 from King Henry III. Cambridge comprises 31 semi-autonomous constituent colleges and over 150 academic departments organized into six schools.
University of Cambridge Information
Established in 1209, University of Cambridge is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large town of Cambridge (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), East of England. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Privy Council, University of Cambridge is a large (uniRank enrollment range: 15,000-19,999 students) coeducational higher education institution. University of Cambridge offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study matrix below for further details. This 810 years old higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic record and grades. The admission rate range is 10-20% making this UK higher education organization a most selective institution. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
Offered Benefits
• Full tuition fees (Home or Overseas rate)
• Stipend for living expenses for the duration of the 4-year PhD
• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities across Cambridge departments and institutes
• Participation in Loke CTR Placental Biology Courses, seminars, and conferences
• Opportunities to present research at Loke CTR meetings and international events
• Membership in the Postgraduate School of the Life Sciences, offering additional training and networking.
Application Process
Application Documents:
- List of up to 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 and your 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.A completed application form with the following information:
Applicants must submit their complete application materials to