Cellular and Molecular Biology (Structured PhD)

The area of Cellular and Molecular Biology has developed rapidly during the past decade. It feeds an active biotechnology industry and underpins many recent advances in molecular medicine. This creates strong demand for a new generation of highly skilled researchers with expertise in this area. This PhD programme in Cellular and Molecular Biology addresses this need by providing a structured training programme with the following key features:

• broad knowledge in the molecular biology of mammalian cells


• training in relevant advanced technologies


• multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approach


• meaningful exposure to non-academic sector


• development of independent and critical thinking


• development of communication skills

This PhD programme will focus on the molecular mechanisms that maintain cellular homeostasis and on the mechanisms that dictate tissue and organism-level homeostasis. Individual research themes will be selected and developed to address contemporary research questions in these topics. They will address the regulation of these cellular functions at three hierarchical tiers: molecular-, cellular- and supracellular levels. The research themes of the programme include cellular stress responses, mechanisms of cell death, cell survival regulation by the tissue microenvironment; altered cell signalling in the development of disease states. The goal of our research is to promote the understanding of altered cell signalling that drives development of disease, with a view to targeting these processes in cancer and degenerative diseases.

It is envisaged that the students will be well placed to pursue careers in biomedical research or the biotechnology/pharama industry, particularly in areas relating to cancer, degenerative diseases, metabolic disorders and inflammation.