Modern genetics research seeks to provide a systems-level understanding of biology by relating genome sequence to function and phenotype. The research in the Department of Genetics covers a wide spectrum of biological problems, united by the application of genetics tools and approaches. Research themes range from understanding basic mechanisms in cell biology relating to the mechanics of division, migration and communication, through the large-scale analysis of genome regulation and epigenetic control, to aspects of population biology focused on issues of ecological and evolutionary significance.

Modern genetics has today evolved beyond its traditional boundaries to become a fundamental part of biology and medicine. The Department reflects this pervasiveness with research interests encompassing several high-impact themes, including functional genomics and systems biology, developmental genetics, epigenetic inheritance, evolution and population genetics, microbial genetics, and cell biology.

The Department of Genetics hosts between 50 and 65 postgraduate students across 25 research groups, researching a wide range of biological problems, from population genetics and ecology to the detailed analysis of genome sequence. The Department is based in a historic building on the Downing Site but has research groups located in the Gurdon Institute, Cambridge Systems Biology Centre and Sainsbury Labs as well as an impressive range of local, national and international collaborations.

PhD students in the Department will undertake three to four years of research under the supervision of one of our group leaders, where they will develop an original research question and address this through laboratory or computer-based research. Research students will develop skills in finding and assessing relevant primary literature, and produce written reviews of the literature throughout their degree and prior to the preparation of the PhD thesis.

Students will undertake specific training in their research area as well as more generic skills training over the course of their research degrees. Supervising undergraduate students is often a rewarding part of the Research student experience and opportunities through the Departments teaching portfolio and the College supervision system are widely available. Students are expected to submit their thesis by the end of their fourth year.