About the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology
The MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) is a world-class research laboratory, dedicated to understanding important biological processes at the molecular level – with the goal of using this knowledge to tackle major problems in human health and disease.
The LMB is one of the birthplaces of modern molecular biology. Many techniques were pioneered at the laboratory, including DNA sequencing, methods for determining the three-dimensional structure of proteins and the development of monoclonal antibodies.
Over the years, the work of LMB scientists has attracted 12 Nobel prizes, dozens of Royal Society awards and numerous other scientific honours.
In addition, many of our scientists have succeeded in exploiting their discoveries through technology transfer generating over £700 million of commercial income, to help support UK science.
2 course(s) offered in the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology
Biological Science (MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology) - PhD
The Medical Research Council (MRC) Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) is one of the world's leading research institutes. Discoveries and inventions developed at the LMB, such as DNA sequencing or methods to determine the structure of proteins, have revolutionised all areas of biology. Our scientists work to advance the current knowledge of biological processes at the molecular level. This information will help us to understand the workings of complex systems, such as the immune system and the brain, and solve key problems in human health.
Every year, the LMB International PhD programme welcomes 20–30 postgraduate students from universities worldwide to do cutting-edge research. At the LMB, we aim to train the scientific leaders of the future: We seek engaged and motivated students, give them rewarding research projects, and provide a supportive environment with access to world-class facilities and experts.
Our building is at the heart of the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, a hub of one of Europe's largest and most internationally competitive concentrations of healthcare-related talent and enterprise. The LMB building's stunning design is home to a globally competitive research centre with state-of-the-art facilities for making the discoveries of the 21st century.
We have an active student association, founded and run entirely by students, that organises numerous events specifically for postgraduates. Postgraduate students register for their PhD with the University of Cambridge and belong to a Cambridge College.
Biological Science (MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology) by thesis - MPhil
The MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology occasionally takes on MPhil students, provided they have the support of a group leader in the Laboratory. Students should contact the group leader directly to obtain support. For information on our faculty members’ research interests, please visit the Research and the Research Leaders pages on the LMB website.
The research MPhil is assessed by submission of a thesis and an oral examination. Students start in October and the thesis is submitted by the end of August.
Applicants will generally have a bioscience background, but applicants with a computational, physics or mathematical background can also apply.
2 course(s) also advertised in the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology
Biological Science (BioSCaPe) BBSRC IDLA - PhD
From the Babraham Institute
The BioSCaPe PhD programme is a four year fully-funded doctoral training programme that aims to develop future leaders in bioscience. Based within the world-class South Cambridgeshire bioscience cluster, the programme combines cutting-edge research with entrepreneurial and leadership training. Students will undertake their research in the University of Cambridge or one of its Partner Institutions – the Babraham Institute, Wellcome Sanger Institute, or the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology – and benefit from unique academic–industry collaboration through placements with their Industrial Partner (for a minimum of 3 months to a maximum of 18 months) and projects with companies and research parks.
BioSCaPe offers comprehensive training in areas such as bioinformatics, AI, machine learning, and business innovation, alongside optional cross-disciplinary modules. Students will have access to bespoke leadership programmes, industry immersion opportunities, and a supportive supervisory network.
The programme fosters innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity, preparing graduates for careers in academia, industry, and entrepreneurship.
Students will be expected to submit their thesis at the end of the fourth year.
Part-time study, whilst not the norm, will be considered on a case by case basis.
National Institutes of Health Oxford/Cambridge Programme NIH Ox/Cam - PhD
From the Department of Medicine
This innovative programme was established in 2002 as a collaboration between the University of Cambridge and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the US. Its aim is to train outstanding students in biomedical research, taking advantage of the excellent research environments in Cambridge and the US. Students work on collaborative projects organised by co-supervisors in Cambridge and the NIH, spending two years at each institution. Students have access to all NIH facilities and are paid by the NIH. The PhD is awarded by the University of Cambridge.