Until recently, ACTREC ran its PhD programme through its affiliation to the University of Mumbai. With effect from September 2006, all the units of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) have been brought under the purview of the Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), which has the status of a Deemed University under the UGC act. ACTREC now offers the PhD degree in the Life Sciences of the HBNI. Applications for the PhD programme are invited through advertisement in leading newspapers and through our website [http://www.actrec.gov.in]. Candidates all across India can apply, and selection takes place through an initial screening of applications, a written examination and an interview. In the year 2007, a total of 66 students were enrolled for the PhD degree at ACTREC. In addition, 4 students who had completed their stint at ACTREC were awarded their PhD degree this year.

The Ph.D. students undertake research at the Centre in different areas of Cancer Biology such as cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, metastasis, tumor immunology, immunotherapy, virology, chemotherapy, carcinogenesis, gene therapy in animal models, tumor markers, structural biology and global profiling of tumor tissue using proteomics and genomics, etc.

Admission to the Ph.D. Programme

An advertisement for admissions to the Ph.D. programme of ACTREC generally appears in leading newspapers early in the year (around February / March).

Educational Qualifications of Applicants

M.Sc. in Applied Biology/ Zoology/ Biophysics/ Life Sciences/ Microbiology/ Biochemistry/ Biotechnology/ Molecular Biology (by research or by papers) or M.B.B.S./ M.Pharm., with no less than 60% marks in any of the branches. Candidates who have appeared for M.Sc. (final) examination and are awaiting their results are eligible to apply.

Qualifying Test & Interview

Candidates   fulfilling   the  minimum   requirements   are called for a written qualifying test at their own expense. Candidates who qualify in the written test are interviewed within 2-3 days of the written test. Successful candidates (Junior Research Fellows-JRF) are granted provisional admission pending completion of other requirements (medical examination, etc).

JRF Orientation Course

All JRFs at ACTREC have to go through an core course of HBNI that covers 'Cancer Biology and Rlated areas through several modules' before initiating the Ph.D. project work. The orientation course exposes the students to every facet of Cancer Biology through a core course consisting of several modules encompassing various disciplines such as Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Immunology, Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Instrumentation, Advanced Biochemical Techniques and Laboratory safety Genetics, Cytogenetics, Human Genetics and Bioinformatics.

After completion of the core course, the students appear for the required number of Electives which include - Tumor Immunology, Deregulation of cell growth and Cell Death in Cancer, Cancer Therapeutics, Animal Models in Cancer Research, Development and Differentiation, Angiogenesis and Metastasis, Carcinogenesis Chemoprevention and DNA repair, Proteases in Cancer,etc. The JRFs also receive training in instrumentation and are  exposed to state of the art frontline technology. A series of invited lectures from experts in  disciplines other than cancer  are also arranged to help JRFs get a global perspective of the research arena. The progress of the JRFs is monitored through several written tests based on the lectures delivered in each module. The JRFs have to score an average of 60% marks in the Cancer Biology lecture programme.

Doctoral Committee

The research work of each JRF is monitored by a Doctoral Committee comprising of the Chairman, Guide, Faculty member of the Institute in the area of related research, Faculty member from an allied domain of specialization and a Technology advisor. Members of the Doctoral Committee meet once a year to evaluate the work done by the student. Based on the report and recommendations of the Doctoral Committee, extension of fellowship is granted.

Stipend

JRFs at ACTREC receive  a stipend of Rs. 12000/- per month +  HRA. The fellowship is paid on the 8th of every month. NET qualified candidates can avail of CSIR/UGC Fellowship. The Junior Research Fellowship is tenable for a period of 2 years, extendable by a further period of no more than 2 years, on an annual renewal basis. Extension for the third and fourth year will be considered after extensive evaluation of the work done during the previous years. JRFs will not be treated as regular employees of the Centre and will not be automatically  considered for any appointment.

TA/DA to attend Conferences

JRFs will be paid TA/DA to attend Meetings/Conferences at least once a year.

Leave

Each JRF can avail a maximum of 30 days of leave per year on a pro-rata basis. Leave not availed during the first year can be carried over to the next year. However, no more than 60 days leave can be accumulated at any time during the tenure of the  fellowship and no more than 30 days can be availed at a given time. There is no separate provision for medical leave. The JRF has to seek prior permission before taking leave, by submitting a leave application forwarded through the Research Guide and Head of the Group. Failure to do so or remaining absent from duties without prior permission, or over-staying  of leave will be treated as 'unauthorised absence from work' and proportionate deductions will be made from the fellowship amount, in addition to taking disciplinary action for such absenteeism.

Hostel Facilities

Hostel facilities will be made available to the extent available, on first come first served basis. Those not provided hostel accommodation will have to make their own arrangements.

Identity Card

Each JRF will be issued an identity card, which is to be displayed on his / her person.

Railway Concessions

After registration, a JRF can avail  railway concession as per the norms.