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Cell Biology PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships
We have 739 Cell Biology PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships
A Cell Biology PhD would give you the opportunity to take on a three to four-year research project into the inner workings of cells. Your research may involve investigating cell-to-cell communication, the potential use of stem cells, or researching the difference between cells from a healthy individual compared to those with a certain disease. Regardless, you’ll be contributing to your field.
What’s it like to do a PhD in Cell Biology?
A PhD in Cell Biology would allow you to gain an array of laboratory skills, most notably in cell culture, which is essential to any Cell Biology project. You’ll also use classic laboratory methods such as immunoassays, chromatography, and fluorescence assays.
Some typical research topics in Cell Biology include:
- Understanding cell trafficking
- Stem cell biology
- Investigating the plasma membrane of a certain cell type
- Comparing cells from a diseased and non-diseased state
- Investigating the cell cycle
- Understanding cell communication
- Investigating the regulation and consequences of programmed cell death
Day-to-day you’ll be performing experiments in the laboratory, creating graphs, analysing previously collected data, and discussing your work with your supervisor and colleagues. At the end of the final year of your project, you’ll submit a thesis of approximately 60,000 words and defend this during your viva exam.
Cell Biology programmes are most commonly advertised positions with full funding attached, meaning the general scope and goals of the work have been determined by the supervisor in advance and you apply to the project.
Writing a research proposal and suggesting your own research topic is uncommon in Cell Biology. As with most subjects within Biology, additional bench fees are required, which makes finding independent funding difficult.
Entry requirements
The entry requirements for most Cell Biology PhD programmes involve a Masters in a subject directly related to Biology, with at least a Merit or Distinction. If English isn’t your first language, you’ll also need to show that you have the right level of language proficiency.
PhD in Cell Biology funding options
The research council responsible for funding Cell Biology PhDs in the UK is the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). They provide fully-funded studentships including a stipend for living costs, a consumables budget for bench fees and a tuition fee waiver. Students don’t apply directly to the BBSRC, you apply for advertised projects with this funding attached.
It’s difficult for Cell Biology PhD students to be ‘self-funded’ due to the additional bench fees. However, if you were planning to fund yourself it might be achievable (depending on your project) through the UK government’s PhD loan and part-time work.
Illuminating the Dark Genome's Role in Chromosome Segregation and Cellular Aging
The human genome harbors vast untapped potential within its "dark" regions, comprising 98% of our genetic material. This project, a collaboration between the Draviam laboratory and NonExomics INC, aims to revolutionise our understanding of the dark genome, focusing on chromosome segregation gene encoding loci. Read more
SubCortical Maternal Complex - a small complex with a big role in early human development (MONKD_U25SCI)
Primary supervisor - Prof David Monk. Human fertility is declining, which is observed via the use of IVF and an increase in overall miscarriage rates. Read more
Investigating the effect of stress hormones in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia
Applications are invited for a 3-year funded PhD studentship at Brighton and Sussex Medical School. Project details. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL) is the most common leukaemia in the UK. Read more
Developing magnetic lenses and inductively coupled coils to sense individual quantum spins
This project is part of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Quantum Technology Engineering at the University of Southampton (https://qte.ac.uk/). Read more
The role and the mechanism of circular RNAs in oncogenic human herpesvirus infection and pathogenesis
Human gamma-herpesviruses, specifically Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV), cause 250,000 cancer cases annually, yet lack vaccines or antivirals. Read more
PhD+ Studentship: Regulation of hepatic ion channels by the SGLT2-inhibitor antidiabetic medication dapagliflozin
Aston University is launching a pioneering, fully-funded doctoral scholarship scheme designed to equip researchers with the skills that are crucial for success in the digital age and to meet the demands of the new industrial revolution powered by technology. Read more
MRes - Developing novel PROTAC molecules targeting mutated BRAF (V600E) in melanoma disease: design, synthesis, and biological evaluation Project ID (SAS0215).
Melanoma ranks as the fifth most common cancer in the UK with over 132,000 new cases reported annually worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, this figure is predicted to rise significantly, reaching 500,000 by 2040. Read more
PhD in Corneal tissue engineering: Influence of mechanical environment of tissue formation
Two fully funded PhD studentships have become available in the area of ocular cell mechanobiology and tissue regeneration. The aim of these projects will be to explore the effect of different mechanical environments on the culture of corneal cells and their ability to generate new tissue. Read more
International PhD Program in Microbiology Fully Funded PhD Positions
We are excited to invite applicants with a strong interest ininterdisciplinary research in modern. microbiology to apply forfully funded PhD positions at the International Max Planck Research School. Read more
Does immune system deterioration and adipose tissue dysfunction influence skeletal muscle mass in older adults and is there a restorative role for exercise?
BACKGROUND: . In the UK, 10 million people are 65 years or older which will rise to 19 million by 2050. Ageing is characterised by immune system deterioration, inflammation and declining skeletal muscle mass and function. Read more
Investigating the Disruption of Invading Breast Cancer Cells to the Regenerative Capacity of Bone Cells in a Tissue Engineered Tumour Microenvironment
Metastasis in breast cancer reduces five-year survival rates in the UK from 99% to 15%[1]. One of the most common sites for tumour metastasis is bone, affecting approximately 70% of patients with over 24,000 in the UK alone[1]. Read more
Investigating how accessory proteins modify the function of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) involved in appetite regulation
Project Outline. This PhD project will explore how accessory proteins modify the signalling of GPCRs involved in appetite regulation, using state-of-the-art signalling assays and cutting-edge microscopy techniques. Read more
Regulation of apoptosis-induced compensatory cell proliferation and its implications for cancer and tissue regeneration
In multi-cellular organisms, coordinated cell death (e.g. apoptosis) and cell replacement is critical for tissue recovery in response to stress or damage. Read more
BBSRC MIBTP: How Cell Death Fuels Growth
Research Group:
BBSRC MIBTP
Apoptosis, a major form of programmed cell death, is frequently activated in response to stress to remove damaged cells in multi-cellular organisms. Read more
Functional analysis of human mutations in Mendelian disease genes using bioluminescence assays
We study epilepsy, epigenetic diseases and skeletal dysplasias. We identify disease-causing genes, decipher disease pathophysiology, and improve the management of children affected by these conditions. Read more