Join the MGM PhD Program
The department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology at Duke offers a vibrant and supportive interdisciplinary training program and scientific community to students interested in obtaining a PhD in Molecular Genetics and Microbiology. http://mgm.duke.edu/ .
Research
A research and training program to solve fundamental problems in;
- Genetics and Genomics
- Genetics of model systems and humans
- Microbiology (Virology, Bacteriology, Mycology, Microbiome)
- Chromosome structure, function, replication and repair
Faculty
Students select mentors from over 60 faculty members involved in state-of-the-art basic and translational research. Check the research out at http://mgm.duke.edu .
Financial Support
Full stipend, as well as tuition, and health and dental insurance are provided. Travel funds for conferences and short courses are readily available.
Duke is a world-renowned university and medical center located in the town of Durham, within the Research Triangle area of North Carolina. The town of Durham is well-known for its vibrant arts and food scene and has recently been named the “South’s Tastiest Town”. In addition, it has great access to outdoor activities and is situated two hours from the beautiful NC coast and three hours from the mountains.
No GRE Requirement . We use a holistic application process that considers diverse aspects of an applicant’s record. Please do not hesitate to apply or contact us with questions! Applications to Molecular Genetics and Microbiology can be submitted at https://gradschool.duke.edu/admissions/application-instructions .
The deadline for applications is December 1st, 2025. For more information, please contact Matt Scaglione ( matt.scaglione@duke.edu ) or faculty members in whose research you are interested. Specific inquiries about the process can be directed to Kera Allen. ( kera.allen@duke.edu )
Application fee waivers are available in a limited number of circumstances and are examined on a case-by-case basis. The application fee waiver process can be found at this link: https://gradschool.duke.edu/admissions/application-instructions/application-fee/
The Admissions Committee evaluates candidates based on academic performance, laboratory research experience, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. The GRE is not required, and although students can elect to submit GRE scores, we take a holistic approach when reviewing applicants, including attention to evidence of curiosity, creativity, persistence, motivation, resilience, and problem-solving abilities. Top candidates are invited to interview in February and are encouraged to take advantage of the visit to meet student members of the Program and faculty. Following the interview, the Committee makes recommendations to the Dean of the Graduate School.
Students are admitted through Duke’s Graduate School to pursue a Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics and Microbiology by completing an online application with the Duke University Graduate School, which is then forwarded to and assessed by the MGM Admissions Committee. Additional information is also available on the Graduate School web site.
Students can also join the program following admission by one of the interdepartmental training programs (e.g., The Cell and Molecular Biology Program, the Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Training Program, and the Medical Scientist Training Program). These students join the departmental program with the approval of the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS).
Less frequently, students may transfer from another department into the program with the approval of the Admissions Committee.
Matriculation is only allowed in the fall semester.
Financial Assistance
The contributions of graduate students are highly valued in the Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, and Duke has a strong commitment to financially support the students it selects for graduate study. The Department and the Duke University Graduate School offer a wide array of financial support. Funding is available from annually allocated awards funds, instruction, endowed fellowships, foundations and other private support, as well as federal research and training grants.
For additional information, please visit the Funding Opportunities section of this web site.
Commitment Culture, Engagement, and Impact
The Duke Molecular Genetics and Microbiology Graduate Program along with The Graduate School is dedicated to and benefits from a student population made up of individuals from all backgrounds, which contributes to a fuller representation of perspectives within the academic life of the university. In addition, within the Biomedical Graduate Programs in the School of Medicine and School of Nursing, we have an Office of Biomedical Graduate Education (OBGE) that provides signature programming for students within our program.
The Duke Molecular Genetics and Microbiology Graduate Program is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in compliance with Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, as well as applicable state regulations and federal and state privacy laws.
If you believe you may need and qualify for reasonable accommodations, please visit Duke Access and Accommodation Services for detailed information and procedures. The knowledgeable staff at DMS serves Duke’s undergraduate, graduate and professional students, trainees, employees, and faculty, as well as the public, in support of Duke University and Duke University Health System efforts to ensure an accessible, hospitable working and learning environment for people with disabilities. Through DMS, Duke ensures consistent processes for requesting accommodations, evaluating needs, and determining appropriate response, and the DMS serves as a clearinghouse for disability-related information, procedures and services available at Duke, in Durham, and in North Carolina. For detailed information about DMS visit: www.access.duke.edu.