The MRC Biostatistics Unit provides an exciting place to commence a career in Biostatistics.
We believe that talented and inclusive teams deliver the highest quality research. The Unit is actively seeking to increase diversity among its students, creating opportunities for people traditionally under-represented in the biostatistics research community, including promoting an equitable representation of men and women. The Unit therefore especially encourages applications from women, from minority ethnic groups and from those with non-standard career paths. The Unit strives to maintain an environment where people can be their authentic selves. Appointment will be made on merit.
Our unique academic research environment offers the chance to do cutting edge research with direct relevance to real world health problems. Many of our staff have been central to the UK and University of Cambridge response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As such our thriving PhD programme is hugely successful and competition for places is high. The BSU’s relaxed yet enthusiastic, dedicated and stimulating environment provides students with the essential tools, both in research and transferrable skills, to set them on their way to a successful career as an independent researcher.
Our PhD students are registered with the University of Cambridge under the subject heading ‘Biostatistics @MRC Biostatistics’ in the Faculty of Clinical Medicine. Students belong to one of the University’s colleges and are trained at our Unit at the University Forvie Site on the Addenbrooke’s Hospital Campus in Cambridge.
The MRC Biostatistics Unit expect to have 3.5 funded studentships on offer for commencement in the academic year 2026/27. Whilst these are open to all, our funding eligibility requirements mean that at least 2 of these will be offered to UK applicants and the remaining to either UK or non-UK candidates. We will also have one Harding Scholarship available to successful candidates.
BSU studentships normally provide:
- A generous monthly stipend
- Tuition fees
- A travel and training budget
The general framework of the PhD training programme is locally co-ordinated by Brian Tom (Director of Studies), Robert Goudie, Angela Talbot (PhD Programme Manager) and Jenny Lynn (Postgraduate Coordinator).
Meet our PhD students
Four of our current students introduce themselves
Meet our PhD students
Interview with Juliette Limozin
Meet our researchers: Interview with Juliette Limozin
Interview with Lukas Pin
Meet our researchers: Interview with Lukas Pin