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The Wellcome Sanger Institute is one of the world's premier genomics research institutes and is at the forefront of this fast-developing field. We use large-scale DNA sequencing, informatics and analysis of genome variation to further our understanding of gene function in health and disease, and the genomic diversity of complex organisms. The Institute's PhD programme is open to UK and overseas applicants, and we aim to attract the brightest and best young scientists worldwide.
The PhD programme aims to provide training and research opportunities in genomic science that reflect the unique nature of Sanger Institute science. It emphasises large-scale, high-throughput approaches, and the development of a blend of wet-lab and computational skills. The Institute also aims to provide students with general research and transferable skills training in addition to training in their specific research area. Applicants will generally have a bioscience background, but applicants with a computational or mathematical background are also encouraged to apply.
During the first eight months, full-time students on our PhD programme undertake rotations in three different research groups. This ensures exposure to different disciplines in genomics and allows the students to gain an understanding of the full range of science being carried out at the Institute and the different technologies that are available. In particular, all students are required to carry out at least one informatics rotation and one experimental laboratory rotation. This helps students to develop wide-ranging skills both at the bench and in data analysis. The final PhD project is chosen towards the end of the third rotation period, and students start their PhD project on 1 June. Students are expected to submit their PhD thesis within four years of starting the programme.
Students are also expected to attend a number of training courses in transferable and general research skills, the postgraduate student lecture series and the students' journal club. There is an active seminar programme on site and at the University of Cambridge, and students are encouraged to present their work at both national and international scientific meetings, as well as to the Institute. Since our students are registered with the University of Cambridge and are members of a Cambridge college, they are able to take an active part in the University's academic and social life. They have access to events and courses run by the Postgraduate School of Life Sciences, and University facilities such as the library and the careers service. For further details, visit the PhD Programme page on our website.
To apply for a place funded by the Sanger Institute, please apply directly to the Institute. Follow this link for further information.
Please note that applications submitted directly to the Sanger Institute are not applications to the course through the University of Cambridge. Students who are successful in gaining a funded place through the Sanger Institute will also subsequently be required to submit an application through the University's Applicant Portal.
If you are applying for funding from the Gates Cambridge Scholarship Programme, you will need to submit an application directly through the University's Applicant Portal, and you will need to name a Sanger Institute Faculty member in your application who has agreed to supervise your proposed project.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the programme, students should have:
- a comprehensive understanding of techniques, and a thorough knowledge of the literature applicable to their own research
- demonstrated originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in their field
- shown abilities in the critical evaluation of current research and research techniques and methodologies
- demonstrated some self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and acted autonomously in the planning and implementation of research
Open Days
The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options:
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Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study.
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Postgraduate Virtual Open Days - taking place in November each year, the Open Days focus on subject and course information.
For more information about upcoming events visit our events pages.
Candidates shortlisted for the Wellcome Sanger Institute PhD programme will be invited to attend an in person PhD Interview Day, which is being held on the 27 January 2025. Candidates will have two or three interviews with individual Sanger Institute Faculty members and one panel interview with three Sanger Institute Faculty members. They will also have the chance to meet current PhD students and have a tour around the campus. Any shortlisted applicants unavailable for the PhD Interview Day can be interviewed via videoconference during the two weeks prior to the Interview Day.