Four Year International PhD Programme in Stem Cell Biology

Wellcome Trust - Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute

Studentships starting October 2013
Application deadline 6
th
January 2013
Interviews to be held 24
th
- 25
th
January 2013

Stem Cell Biology

Stem cells are defined by the dual capacity to self-renew and to
differentiate. These properties sustain homeostatic cell turnover in
adult tissues and enable repair and regeneration throughout the
lifetime of the organism. In contrast, pluripotent stem cells are
generated in the laboratory from early embryos or by molecular
reprogramming. They have the capacity to make any somatic cell
type, including tissue stem cells.

Stem cell biology aims to identify and characterise which cells are
true stem cells, and to elucidate the physiological, cellular and
molecular mechanisms that govern self-renewal, fate specification
and differentiation. This research should provide new foundations
for biomedical discovery, biotechnological and biopharmaceutical
exploitation, and clinical applications in regenerative medicine.


Cambridge Stem Cell Community

The University of Cambridge is exceptional in the depth and diversity of its research in Stem Cell Biology, and
has a dynamic and interactive research community that is ranked amongst the foremost in the world. By bringing
together members of both the Schools of Biology and Medicine, this four year PhD programme will enable you to
take advantage of the strength and breadth of stem cell research available in Cambridge. Choose from over 30
participating host laboratories using a range of experimental approaches and organisms.

Programme Outline

During the first year students will:
o perform laboratory rotations in three different participating groups
working on both basic and translational stem cell biology;
o study fundamental aspects of Stem Cell Biology through a series of
teaching modules led by leaders in the field;
o learn a variety of techniques, such as advanced imaging, flow
cytometry, and management of complex data sets.

Students are expected to choose a laboratory for their thesis research by June 2013, and will then write a research
proposal to be assessed for the MRes Degree in Stem Cell Biology. Students will then commence a 3 year PhD.


Visit http://www.stemcells.cam.ac.uk/careers-study/studentships/ for full details