School of Natural Sciences PhD studentship (Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Chemistry, Computational Biology, Genetics, and Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences)

Applicants should have, or expect to obtain, a first or upper second-class honours degree in a relevant subject, and ideally a Master’s degree or equivalent.

The studentships are open to Home students.

The school of Natural Science at the University of Kent invites applications for 4 fully funded 3.5 PhD (GTA) starting in January 2027 for the following disciplines; Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Chemistry, Computational Biology, Genetics, and Sports, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences. You will normally be expected to work for 200 hours per annum in years 1 to 3, including teaching (maximum 96 contact hours per year) or demonstrating (maximum 130 contact hours per year) and related duties such as marking, preparation and examination. Further details of GTA terms and conditions are here

There are 13 projects to choose from but only 4 scholarships will be awarded. As a result, the selection process will be competitive, and applicants should be aware that meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee an award. Applicants are strongly encouraged to speak with prospective supervisors prior to completing their application.

Please see links below for the available projects:

Biochemistry - The Development of Protein Hydras to Treat Cancer

Cell Biology - Giving cells a voice: generating a synthetic cellular health dashboard for biotechnology and medicine

Cell Biology - Circular DNA’s a novel method of plant evolution

Chemistry - Bio-inspired tetrapyrrolic photocatalysts for red and near-infrared (NIR) light-driven chemical synthesis

Chemistry - The Extraction of Critical Minerals from Seawater by Porous Polymers

Chemistry - Cool by Design: Harnessing Disorder for Solid-State Cooling

Chemistry - Designing bespoke Raman active chemical taggants with enhanced functionality and detectability

Computational Biology - Evolutionary and Functional Genomics of Social Chromosomes

Genetics - A Microbiome-Based Approach to Target Shared Mechanisms of Neurodegenerative Diseases

Genetics - Decoding sex differences in appetite, fat accumulation and metabolism: From neuronal mechanisms to human health

Sport, Exercise, and Rehabilitation - Personalised Exercise in Parkinson’s: Integrating biomechanics, tissue mechanics and artificial intelligence

Sport, Exercise, and Rehabilitation - The Influence of Chronotype and Circadian Alignment on Biomechanical Variability and Injury Risk in Athletes

Sport, Exercise, and Rehabilitation - From Initiation to Maintenance: The Psychophysiological Mechanisms Underpinning Sustained Physical Activity

How to apply

Applicants must contact the relevant supervisor for their chosen project before submitting an application for the scholarship. Supervisor contact details are provided alongside each available project.

Please apply through the PhD application pathway on the following link and select the relevant project’s lead supervisor.

Biochemistry PhD

Cell Biology

Chemistry

Computational Biology

Genetics

Sport, Exercise, and Rehabilitation

In your application please include:

• explain reasons for study
• provide an outline of a research proposal
• provide details and evidence of qualifications
• provide details of any teaching experience
• provide two academic references
• provide other personal information and supporting documentation
• make sure you include that you want to be considered for the GTA on the application

Funding Notes

GTA awards include tuition fees plus a combined maintenance grant and salary equivalent to the Research Councils UK National Minimum Doctoral Stipend (£21,805 for 2026/27) for the first three years followed by fees and maintenance grant for a further six months. Scholars also receive fee-paid teacher in Higher Education training through the Associate Fellowship Scheme.