Metabolic and cardiovascular diseases are among the most serious health problems facing society. Progress in understanding mechanisms underlying these disorders of complex systems, and in developing better therapeutic approaches, will best be achieved by an integrated interdisciplinary strategy.

Our PhD programme brings together basic and clinical scientists from several University departments and affiliated institutes, with expertise in biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, endocrinology, human and animal physiology, neurobiology, cardiovascular biology and population sciences.  The PhD programme is based in the University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories in the newly built Institute of Metabolic Science on the internationally renowned and rapidly expanding Cambridge Biomedical Campus, alongside Addenbrooke's Hospital. Over 50 research groups participate in the programme, with access to the very latest technologies for genomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, imaging and physiological phenotyping.

During the first year students will

• gain research experience by conducting short projects in three different laboratories in at least two different departments
• attend weekly "hot topics" discussions led by research leaders in the field, as well as lab group meetings and research seminars
• attend training courses to develop transferable skills

In June students will choose a potential PhD project, and will then write a detailed research proposal which, along with other reports generated during the year, will form a portfolio of research to be assessed for a Masters degree.

During years 2-4 students will undertake the PhD project in their chosen laboratory, while continuing to participate in programme-wide activities. Collaborative and interdisciplinary projects are strongly encouraged.

Studentship support includes stipend at Wellcome Trust rates (£18,685 from October 2010) and provision for university/college fees at UK/EU or overseas rates.

Academic entry requirements are at least an upper second class honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject, and evidence of a fluent command of English, see http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/univ/gsprospectus/applying/entry.html

For full details of the programme and how to apply, visit http://www.mrl.ims.cam.ac.uk/phd/