PhD opportunities for MB-ChB or BDS students
Launched in 2019-2020, the Cancer Research UK-funded TRACC MB-PhD / BDS-PhD scheme offers an exciting opportunity for bright, motivated and enthusiastic medical or dental students to gain top quality research training as well as securing clinical qualification. The scheme is designed not only to offer PhD training integrated in a clinical medical or dental degree, but also, critically, to maximise retention of participants within medical research. It is envisioned that Programme alumni will become the academic clinical leaders in cancer research in the future. Selected applicants will be trained in cutting edge practical scientific and analytic skills with a focus on scientific excellence, while gaining in-depth understanding of the rigour, discipline and precision required for translational research. The outcomes of the students’ research are expected to be published in high profile medical/scientific journals. Many projects will focus directly on aspects of cancer pathogenesis or treatment, while others may focus on acquiring high level skills that are applicable to important questions in cancer research in the longer term.
Watch the TRACC Programme MB-PhD information Session 2019 recording: https://media.ed.ac.uk/media/1_5fppvoh1
Course Summary
The TRACC MB-PhD / BDS-PhD programme enables 3rd year MBChB or BDS students to enter a 3-year PhD training at the end of their intercalated year before re-integration into the MBChB or BDS course (see schematic below). Close mentorship by TRACC leaders will be a feature of the programme, right from the PhD selection process, through the PhD project, to MBChB or BDS course completion and beyond in the postgraduate phase, to maximise the chance of sustained academic career success. PhD research is undertaken within groups and centres/institutes associated with the College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences in Glasgow or the College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine in Edinburgh (for more details see the Research Training Environment section). Special emphasis is placed on cross-city interactions, which will include collaborative projects in some cases, joint symposia and multiple other activities bringing together MB-PhD / BDS-PhD students, clinical research fellows and other researchers/clinicians from both cities. As well as benefiting from the vibrant cancer research community across Edinburgh and Glasgow, MB-PhD and BDS-PhD students will additionally be encouraged to network with MB-PhD students in other UK centres.
Eligibility
The TRACC MB-PhD / BDS-PhD programme is available to students who are currently undertaking an intercalated medical or dental degree (MBChB or BDS) at the University of Glasgow or the University of Edinburgh. External candidates can be considered only in exceptional circumstances and should consult with the Programme administrator before applying. Particular attention will be paid during the selection process to prior experience of scientific research (e.g. from intercalated degrees and summer research studentships).
Important Dates for Admission
Expression of interest should be send by e-mail to
Dr Farhat Din (Edinburgh) This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Professor Richard Wilson (Glasgow) This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Application closing date: 21 March 2025, 5pm
Interview date: 07 April 2025
Start of the PhD project: August 2025
For information on the Edinburgh arm of the TRACC Programme MB-PhD scheme please visit: https://institute-genetics-cancer.ed.ac.uk/igc-graduate-research-and-training/phd-opportunities-for-clinicians/tracc-programme-for-clinicians/tracc-programme-mb-phd
Applying
Please submit an electronic copy of the completed application including CV and references via email to:
Edinburgh: Mrs Alana Johnson This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Glasgow: Dr Jackie Beesley This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Download the Application Form for the TRACC Programme MB-PhD Position:
Example Projects
Although available projects will vary from year to year and will be tailored to fit interests of the TRACC Programme Fellows some representative example projects are listed here.
Informal Enquries
Informal enquiries can be addressed to the following key contacts:
Glasgow |
Edinburgh |
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| Dr Farhat Din | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | |||||
| Prof Richard Wilson | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | Prof Charlie Gourley | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | |||
| Prof Christian Delles | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | Prof Robert Semple | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | |||
| Dr Helen Wheadon | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | Dr Stefan Symeonides | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |