PhD Studentship in Placental Biology (Loke Centre for Trophoblast Research)

About the role

The Loke Centre for Trophoblast Research (CTR) offers fully funded, full-time PhD studentships in placental biology and reproductive science, within one of its departments or institute. The Centre was founded in 2007 and brings together more than 30 Principal Investigators working on the placenta, early development and maternal-fetal interactions. Studentships are open for applications in October of the year before the start of studies.

Key responsibilities

• Carry out research on one of the advertised projects, such as endometrial-trophoblast interactions, epigenetic mechanisms linking maternal choline supply to early development, GLP-1 receptor agonist effects on the placenta, imaging of human implantation, or transcription factors in trophectoderm specification.
• Present research through seminars at the Centre's annual Away Days and international conferences, and take part in interdisciplinary seminars hosted by Cambridge Reproduction.
• Receive training in the Placental Biology Course and support from it to attend international meetings.
• Become a member of the Postgraduate School of the Life Sciences, which organises further training.

Required profile

• A UK Good II.i Honours Degree, or an equivalent qualification from another country.
• Strong research potential and the ability to contribute to the science of the Loke CTR.
• Applications are made after contacting potential supervisors about the 2026/27 projects, then following the online selection process; the deadline is 3 November 2026, with interviews in late November 2026 and early January 2027.

What we offer

• Fully funded, full-time study over four years or part-time over five years.
• All University and College fees at home or international rates.
• A stipend of £22,000 per year.
• Research consumables and equipment of £15,000 and up to £750 for conference travel.