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Join a collaborative, research-driven PhD program at Tufts University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS), where you’ll gain deep scientific expertise, personalized mentorship, and the training to lead in academia, biotech, or beyond.
ENTRY TERM:
Fall 2026
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
December 1. GRE scores not required.
FIELDS OF STUDY:
Genetics, Molecular & Cellular Biology
Mammalian Genetics
Immunology
Molecular Microbiology
Neuroscience
Transform Your Curiosity into Impactful Discovery
Disciplines available for MBR students
4
100+
Highly experienced research faculty available to students
$100,590
Average salary for a medical scientist*
*Source: bls.gov
125,000+
Join a network with 125,000+ Tufts University alums
Genetics, Molecular & Cellular Biology (GMCB)
The GMCB PhD program offers interdisciplinary training across genetics, structural and cellular biology, and cell and developmental biology—preparing students to tackle complex biomedical problems with strong foundational knowledge and research skills..
Features:
- Broad-based curriculum in genetics, molecular biology, and cell biology
- Research opportunities in 100+ labs addressing cancer, cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders, and more
- Emphasis on scientific communication, with research presentations starting in the first year
Immunology
Tufts’ PhD in Immunology offers deep, personalized training in immunological mechanisms underlying chronic and infectious diseases, with strong integration of clinical relevance through translational coursework and experiences.
Features:
- Small, student-centered labs with high ownership of thesis work
- Clinical integration through the MERGE-Inflammation program
- Active mentorship from faculty with diverse immunological expertise
Neuroscience
Molecular Microbiology
The Molecular Microbiology program prepares students for high-impact careers through research-intensive training in microbial genetics, host-pathogen interactions, and infectious disease biology.
Features:
- NIH-supported research in microbial pathogenesis and molecular genetics
- MERGE-ID track for clinically relevant infectious disease research
- Graduates succeed in academia, biotech, clinical microbiology, policy, and beyond
Neuroscience
The Neuroscience PhD program supports inquiry across molecular, cellular, and behavioral levels—fostering innovative research on brain function and neurological disease in a cross-disciplinary setting.
Features:
- Faculty expertise in neurodevelopment, synaptic physiology, neurodegeneration, and behavior
- Opportunities to work at the Jackson Laboratory through Neuro at JAX
The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences provides students with an outstanding biomedical science education where there they will learn the skills needed to solve biomedical problems and become leaders in research, teaching, biotechnology, and other science-based careers.
Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
Tufts University
145 Harrison Avenue
Boston, MA 02111
"There are definitely ups and downs during a PhD, but I’ve truly enjoyed the journey—largely thanks to the people. Tufts has fostered a collaborative and non-competitive environment that makes it easy to build friendships and grow as a scientist. The faculty are another highlight—they’re approachable, engaged, and go out of their way to help students thrive."
— Haley Dame, PhD candidate in Genetics, Molecular & Cellular Biology
Ready to Advance Your Research Career?
Molecular Microbiology
The Molecular Microbiology program prepares students for high-impact careers through research-intensive training in microbial genetics, host-pathogen interactions, and infectious disease biology.
Features:
- NIH-supported research in microbial pathogenesis and molecular genetics
- MERGE-ID track for clinically relevant infectious disease research
- Graduates succeed in academia, biotech, clinical microbiology, policy, and beyond
The Neuroscience PhD program supports inquiry across molecular, cellular, and behavioral levels—fostering innovative research on brain function and neurological disease in a cross-disciplinary setting.
Features:
- Faculty expertise in neurodevelopment, synaptic physiology, neurodegeneration, and behavior
- Opportunities to work at the Jackson Laboratory through Neuro at JAX
Why Tufts GSBS?
Student-Centered Mentorship:
Faculty are accessible, invested, and focused on helping students build research independence and career confidence.
Hands-On Research from Day One:
You’ll rotate in multiple labs early, identify your research interests, and launch into a thesis project quickly.
Collaborative Community:
Small program sizes create a culture of support, transparency, and shared success—students are known, mentored, and heard.
Interdisciplinary Training That Expands Your Impact:
Learn to approach scientific questions from multiple angles, collaborate across fields, and develop versatile skill sets that prepare them for complex challenges in research, medicine, and industry.
Boston Location, Global Impact
Located in a premier biomedical research hub, Tufts GSBS connects students to academic, biotech, and public health networks.:
Train @ JAX
Tufts GSBS offers two unique PhD tracks that provide immersive research experiences at The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) in Bar Harbor, Maine—an internationally renowned center for genetics and genomics.
@JAX Opportunities:
- Mammalian Genetics @ JAX (within GMCB): Study gene function, developmental biology, and disease modeling using advanced mouse genetics
- Neuro @ JAX (within Neuroscience): Conduct research on neurogenetics, brain aging, and development alongside JAX investigators
The MS in Biomedical Research (MBR) program is a two-year, thesis-based master’s designed for students who want intensive lab training and personalized mentorship.
Open to all Tufts GSBS basic science disciplines (not including Jax tracks), MBR students take advanced coursework alongside PhD students and gain hands-on experience in two lab rotations before beginning thesis research.
Not Quite Ready for a PhD?