What We Offer
LMB students form a truly international and diverse community.
100+
students at different stages of their 3–4-year training cycle
450+
active research scientists in the Institute
20‑30
new students join the LMB each year, from the UK and around the world
World-Class Research Environment
The LMB is one of the birthplaces of modern molecular biology and is a prolific source of new ideas, discoveries and inventions. As a leading international research institute, the LMB attracts some of the world’s best scientists.
More InformationLess Information
The LMB offers its researchers access to some of the finest scientific facilities and equipment available anywhere in the world.
“It is a pleasure to work and learn from such inspiring colleagues, have access to excellent facilities and support staff always willing to solve problems.”
Consuelo Perez
PhD 2024
University of Cambridge Affiliation
LMB students are registered with the University of Cambridge Postgraduate School of Life Sciences, become members of a College and have access to the vibrant Cambridge environment.
More InformationLess Information
Students at the LMB have access to the University of Cambridge training and facilities. As part of a Cambridge College, they are also able to engage in sports, cultural activities and social events.
“A fascinating project, the strong science, a stimulating environment and being a University of Cambridge PhD student attracted me to the LMB.”
Niklas Freund
PhD 2023
Graduate Student Association
A vibrant and engaged community, all of our research students become members of the LMB Graduate Student Association (GSA) for the duration of their PhD.
More InformationLess Information
The GSA fosters fellowship and collaboration among students, advocates on students’ issues and acts as a unified student voice within the LMB. Elected volunteers run the GSA but work closely with the Postgraduate Manager and Director of Studies.
GSA members organise the student annual retreat, the student-led Graduate Symposium, and regular social and welfare events.
“The LMB gave me excellent mentoring in science methodology and philosophy…, an unparalleled environment to learn and use cryo-EM and do innovative research… ”
Noah Turner
PhD 2024
Training
PhDs at the LMB comprise four years of intense full-time research. The aim is to empower students to become successful researchers by exposing them to cutting-edge research and techniques. At the core of a PhD is the direct relationship between the student and their supervisor, but the whole Institute provides an extended academic support network that also includes the University of Cambridge.
More InformationLess Information
Students at the LMB are expected to have the capacity and enthusiasm for organising their own research. Flexible, tailor-made access to training, courses and general transferable skills are part of the support offered to all PhD students.
We provide a generous training budget and a conference allowance for the duration of the PhD.
Attending talks with leading scientists from the UK and abroad is one of many things we encourage our students to do, to help them to grow, scientifically and intellectually, while away from the lab bench.
PhD students, Katherine Brown, Anna Edmondson and Razina Kazi completed three-month policy internships giving a unique opportunity to step outside the lab and engage with science in a broader societal context.
“Public engagement training and taking part in events have helped me gain confidence and have improved my scientific communication skills for both a non-science and science audience.”
Anna Edmondson
PhD 2025
Careers
We prepare LMB PhD students for their future career paths through internships, careers advice and transferable skills. More than 85% of LMB students move to a science-related position, including industry or further training, after their PhD.
More InformationLess Information
LMB students access internships, specialist training and opportunities through UKRI and the exceptional environment at the University of Cambridge.
After the PhD-funded period, the LMB continues to support the development of many students by providing ad hoc postdoc funding, usually to complete projects derived from the PhD. This allows students to get the most impact from their research, including publications, and to be best placed for subsequent career stages when they leave the LMB.
“The LMB is an environment unlike any other research lab I’d experienced and one where I felt very stimulated and supported to pursue bold, exciting research…”
Pranay Shah
PhD 2023
Research Projects
PhD students at the LMB apply to join an individual research group, usually to do a defined project.
Funding
Funding is available to prospective students of all nationalities through open competition.
How To Apply
See our PhD recruitment timetable and University of Cambridge Application portal guidance.
Contact The Postgraduate Office
Get in touch for more information about doing a PhD at the LMB.