MPhil Studentship in MRC Toxicology Unit

Four MPhil studentship awards covering fees and maintenance for home students are available, these are funded by the Large Grant Contributions Fund at the University of Cambridge to support the Prosperity Partnership award from the Medical Research Council.

These MPhil studentships will undertake research projects that align with understanding the toxicities associated with nucleic acid-dependent therapies (NADTs) such as ASOs, siRNAs, and CRISPR-Cas9. These research projects will focus on mechanistic understanding of these toxicities, development of human-relevant testing systems and predictive modelling.

Students interested in these studentships should have a broad interest in undertaking a career in toxicology and be able to demonstrate a strong record of academic performance.

These studentship awards are designated to support applicants from underrepresented backgrounds to access postgraduate study at Cambridge. They are reserved for applicants who identify as/ identify as belonging to one of the following groups:

  • Identifying as belonging to an underrepresented ethnic group.
  • Granted refugee status in the UK.
  • Mature students.
  • Have received free school meals.
  • At the time of applying for their undergraduate course, were living in one of the most deprived areas of the country.
  • At the time of applying for their undergraduate course, were living in an area where it is unusual for young people to go to university.
  • Were the first generation of their family to go to university.
  • Entered university at undergraduate level from a Care background or a Foyer resident.
  • Estranged from their family.
  • Have caring responsibilities for an ill or disabled family member who could not manage without this help.
  • Have been a single parent, or lone guardian of a young person who is aged under 18 and/or still in full-time education during their undergraduate degree course.
  • Received full state support for maintenance for their course of undergraduate study.

Eligibility

To qualify for consideration for one of these MPhil studentship awards, you must:

  1. Be a Home (UK fee rate) student.
  2. Be predicted to achieve, or have already achieved, a 1st or high 2i in your undergraduate degree.
  3. Be from one of the underrepresented backgrounds listed above.
  4. Not already qualified at Master's level or higher.

How to apply if you meet the above eligibility criteria

  1. Candidates that meet the above eligibility criteria should make a formal application through the Applicant Portal. The course is listed in the Application Portal as "Biological Science (MRC Toxicology Unit) MPhil". It is recommended that you take time to check the application requirements including the documentation you will need to upload.
  2. Candidates should complete the studentship award form. Please note applicants that have not completed the studentship award form will not be considered.
  3. The department will review your application, and you will be invited to attend interview if shortlisted.
  4. If your application is successful, a conditional offer is communicated by email and the self-service account.
  5. The closing date for applications is the 30th January 2026.

 

Further programme details can be found on the MRC Toxicology Unit's website MPhil Programme | MRC Toxicology Unit