PhD Studentship: Mitochondrial DNA repair

Overview

The School of Biosciences at the University of Birmingham invites applications for a fully funded PhD studentship in the laboratory of Professor Hansong Ma on mitochondrial DNA repair. The successful candidate will investigate the mechanisms that govern how mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is transmitted and maintained. The project combines genetic, cell biological and molecular approaches in both Drosophila and human cell models, to uncover the basic principles that regulate mtDNA inheritance and stability.

What you get

The studentship provides tuition fees at the UK home student rate and a tax-free maintenance stipend for four years at the current UKRI rate. It is expected to begin in 2027.

Who can apply

Applications from international students are warmly welcomed. The studentship covers tuition fees at the UK home rate only, so international applicants are responsible for paying the difference between the home and international fees.

How to apply

Applicants email the professor with a current CV and a cover letter outlining their research interests, relevant experience and motivation for applying.

Key dates

The closing date is 24 October 2026, and the studentship is expected to commence in 2027.