Dartmouth University

What you'll study

This PhD programme emphasises original research supported by advanced coursework across the biological and physical sciences. Students follow a personalised programme that typically includes core graduate courses in subjects such as biomolecular structure and dynamics, physical chemistry, condensed matter physics, statistical mechanics, advanced cell and molecular biology, and quantitative methods (for example, mathematical modelling, computational physics or bioinformatics).

Early in the programme students usually complete laboratory rotations or short research projects to identify an adviser and a suitable research group. After choosing a supervisor they undertake a combination of:

• Advanced discipline-specific seminars and substantive electives tailored to the research project.
• Technical training in experimental techniques (for example, spectroscopy, microscopy, single-molecule methods, cryo-techniques, X-ray methods) or computational approaches (for example, molecular simulation, high-performance computing, machine learning for scientific data).
• Progressive independent research culminating in an original doctoral thesis that contributes new knowledge at the interface of biological and physical sciences.

Assessment is based on coursework, qualifying examinations or an equivalent candidacy assessment, research progress reports, and the successful defence of a doctoral dissertation. Students are encouraged to present work at conferences and to publish in peer-reviewed journals.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a strong bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline (for example, physics, chemistry, biology, biophysics, biomedical engineering or a closely related quantitative field); many successful applicants also hold a master’s degree. Typical expectations include a record of high academic achievement and demonstrable research experience, such as a thesis, research project, publications or substantive laboratory or computational experience.

Application materials normally include academic transcripts, a statement of research interests, a curriculum vitae, and at least two academic or research references. Where applicable, applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency through recognised English language tests. Some programmes may request a writing sample, research proposal or interviews with potential supervisors during the selection process.

Career prospects

Graduates from this interdisciplinary PhD are prepared for a wide range of careers. Common pathways include:

• Academic research and teaching positions (postdoctoral fellowships, university faculty roles).
• Research and development roles in biotechnology, pharmaceutical and materials science companies.
• Positions in national laboratories and research institutes where advanced experimental or theoretical skills are required.
• Data science, computational modelling and quantitative roles in industry and consulting, leveraging strong computational and analytical training.
• Science policy, technology transfer, intellectual property, and scientific communication roles that draw on deep subject-matter expertise and research experience.

Graduates benefit from a track record of publications, conference experience and collaborative networks built during the programme, which support transitions to these careers.

Why study at Dartmouth University

Dartmouth University offers a close-knit research environment with strong emphasis on faculty mentorship and interdisciplinary collaboration. The programme fosters interaction between departments and research centres, enabling students to work on problems that span molecular to systems scales and to combine experimental and theoretical approaches.

Students gain access to modern core facilities, computational resources and collaborative research groups, and benefit from a culture that supports professional development, teaching experience and outreach. The relatively small cohort sizes facilitate personalised supervision, regular feedback and opportunities for leadership in research projects and student-led initiatives.

Overall, the programme is designed for students who want rigorous, research-focused training at the intersection of biology and the physical sciences, with the flexibility to tailor their studies to specific scientific questions and career goals.