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Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology
PhD
Program Overview
Our biochemistry, cell and molecular biology Ph.D. program provides an in-depth, original research experience over approximately five years. You'll develop a foundation of knowledge in current topics in biochemistry and cell/molecular biology, and benefit from supportive staff and faculty as you delve into your independent research and prepare for diverse careers in biomedical sciences.
Program Snapshot
Why This Program & What You'll Learn
If you’re looking for a BCMB program to fuel your passion for research, the Ph.D. program at CMU is right for you. Work with knowledgable, experienced, and dedicated faculty advisors who form close mentoring relationships with each student to further their individual development.
Explore a wide spectrum of important biological questions through innovative, collaborative and interdisciplinary approaches. Our researchers use a wide array of techniques and model systems to pursue basic and translational research on topics including:
- Cancer.
- Infectious diseases.
- Neuroscience.
- Stress and aging.
- Developmental biology.
- Cytoskeleton and membrane trafficking.
- Cell signaling.
- Optogenetics.
You’ll be supported by dedicated faculty mentors and work in outstanding environments, such as CMU's state-of-the-art $95 million Biosciences Building. The Biosciences Building is 169,000 square feet, with spacious open-concept research labs, core facilities and specialty labs. These include imaging, flow cytometry, insectary, herbarium, biosafety level-3 (BSL-3), and radioisotope labs.
The program is individually tailored to emphasize professional skills and career development. Students work closely and regularly with their advisor and committee to identify a personalized program of elective courses, and create and cultivate an individual development plan.
Program Highlights
As a graduate student at CMU in the BCMB Ph.D. program, you’ll:
- Be supported by dedicated faculty mentors who have demonstrated excellence in research and teaching and are committed to student success.
- Learn from faculty members that are leaders in their respective fields; many have published in top-tier journals, garnered extramural funding for their work.
- Be part of a program with a relatively small size, ensuring that you receive frequent and significant one-on-one interactions with faculty mentors.
Careers & Outcomes
Students graduating with a Ph.D. typically go into careers in academia, industry or other fields that draw on the knowledge and skills acquired during their graduate work.
| Career | Projected Salary |
|---|---|
| Medical Science Liaison | $105,588 |
| Computational Chemist | $91,254 |
| Computational Biologist | $78,315 |
| Research Scientist | $74,342 |
