The PhD Programme

The PhD programme Cancer Genomics and Developmental Biology focuses on understanding processes underlying cancer and developmental biology using techniques and applications of post-genomic research, including microarray analysis, SNP analysis, proteomics and microscopy. Students in this programme explore research questions concerning embryonic growth, stem cells, signalling pathways, gene regulation, evolution and development in relation to health and disease using various model systems.

The aim of the programme is to offer research training and education that builds on novel methodology in genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics technology applied to biomedical and developmental systems and processes.

PhD students participate in the research lines of the participating groups, collaborating with their fellow students and postdocs yet at the same time developing their own research project and expertise within the group that should lead to a series of articles and a PhD thesis to be defended in public for an expert committee. Students are encouraged to seek collaborations outside Utrecht and The Netherlands and to attend international workshops and meetings in addition to the course and seminar programme offered by the research school.

Master's students seeking a PhD position within the research school Cancer Genomics and Developmental Biology are expected to be highly motivated to perform their thesis research in this field, as the school aims to attract the most talented and motivated students in the life sciences from the Netherlands and abroad.