University of Cambridge
Loke Centre for Trophoblast Research PhD Studentship (Fixed Term)
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The Loke Centre for Trophoblast Research (CTR)
The Loke Centre for Trophoblast Research (CTR) provides a dynamic environment for PhD training in placental biology and reproductive science. Founded in 2007, it brings together over 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.
Our PhD students have access to unique training opportunities to prepare them for successful careers in research. Students will present their research by giving seminars at our annual Away Days and international conferences, and attend a variety of seminars given by distinguished scientists with the Loke CTR and affiliated Department or Institute.
There are also opportunities to participate and present in interdisciplinary seminars hosted by Cambridge Reproduction of which the Loke CTR is a founding member. Students will gain training in our Placental Biology Course and receive support from them to attend international meetings. Loke CTR PhD students will also become members of the Postgraduate School of the Life Sciences, which organises and promotes many further training opportunities.
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We are pleased to consider applications for fully funded, full-time study over four years or part-time over five years. Studentships are open for applications in October of the year prior to the start of your studies.
Application Procedure
Please investigate research projects on offer for the 2026/2027 application cycle (https://www.trophoblast.cam.ac.uk/opportunities/projects) and contact potential supervisors in advance of applying. Once you have identified a potential supervisor(s) and project(s), please make a formal application following the instructions and requirements detailed on our website https://www.trophoblast.cam.ac.uk/phd-studentships/selection-process.
The application deadline is 3 November 2026. We will hold an initial round of Zoom interviews with potential PhD supervisors in late November (2026). Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a second round of interviews in early January (2027).
Finance
Loke CTR PhD Studentships will cover all University and College fees at home or international rates, along with a stipend of £22,000 per year.
Awarded studentships also include a justified research consumables/equipment of £15,000 and up to £750 funds for conference travel over the duration of the studentship.
Key experience and competencies
Applicants for this course should have achieved a UK Good II.i Honours Degree. If your degree is not from the UK, please check International Qualifications (https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/international/international-qualifications) to find the equivalent in your country.
We are looking for strong candidates that will contribute to the science in the Loke CTR and have potential as researchers. During the admissions process, we will consider the academic record and the comments from referees as well as the research experience and achievements of the applicants.
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We are mindful that the extent of research opportunity and publications can vary substantially depending on background and undergraduate training, for example some countries have longer undergraduate courses, different master requirements, offer short courses and practical research, etc, and all these are put into context when evaluating potential.
Please refer to the University of Cambridge Entry (https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/apply/before/entry-requirements) requirements for further detail.
Research projects available for 2026/27 entry
- Endometrial-trophoblast interactions in the regulation of placental invasion into the uterus, supervised by Irving Aye and Naomi McGovern
- Epigenetic mechanisms linking maternal choline supply and one-carbon metabolism during early perinatal development, supervised by Geula Hanin and Erica Watson
- GLP-1receptor agonists effects on the placenta and maternal vasculature in an obese pregnancy model, supervised by Sue Ozanne and Wei Li
- Imaging the dynamics of human implantation, supervised by Kathy Niakan and Naomi McGovern
- Investigating the role of transcription factors in regulating trophectoderm specification during human embryogenesis, supervised by Peter Rugg-Gunn and Kathy Niakan
Questions
If you have any queries regarding the selection process, please refer to our website (https://www.trophoblast.cam.ac.uk/phd-studentships) or email phd.lokectr@pdn.cam.ac.uk.
The University actively supports equality, diversity, and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
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