MPhil Studentships: Toxicities associated with nucleic acid-dependent therapies (NADTs)

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 (or expect to obtain by the start date) at least a good 2.1 degree, have a Home Fee status and a broad interest in undertaking a career in toxicology.

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.

All applications should be made online via the University's Applicant Portal for an MPhil in Biological Science (MRC Toxicology Unit): https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/bltompbto/apply

Applications should include academic transcripts, CV, statement of interest and 2 references. An application is only complete when all supporting documents, including the 2 academic references, are submitted. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure their referees submit their references before the closing date.

Further information about the Toxicology Unit can be found on our website: https://www.mrc-tox.cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference PU48868 on your application and in any correspondence about this studentship.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Key information

Department/location

MRC Toxicology Unit

Salary

Reference

PU48868

Category

Studentships

Date published

17 February 2026

Closing date

2 April 2026