School of Natural Sciences PhD studentship (Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Chemistry, Computational Biology, Genetics, and Sports, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences) – January 2027 intake

Overview

The School of Natural Sciences at the University of Kent is inviting applications for four fully funded PhD studentships, each lasting 3.5 years and starting in January 2027. They are Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) awards in biochemistry, cell biology, chemistry, computational biology, genetics, and sports, exercise and rehabilitation sciences. Thirteen projects are on offer but only four scholarships will be awarded, so selection is competitive and meeting the criteria does not guarantee an award.

The projects include developing protein hydras to treat cancer, a synthetic cellular health dashboard, circular DNA in plant evolution, photocatalysts driven by red and near-infrared light, extracting critical minerals from seawater with porous polymers, solid-state cooling, Raman-active chemical taggants, the evolutionary genomics of social chromosomes, a microbiome-based approach to neurodegenerative disease, sex differences in appetite and metabolism, personalised exercise in Parkinson's, chronotype and injury risk in athletes, and the psychophysiology of sustained physical activity.

Who can apply

The studentships are open to Home students. Successful candidates will show academic excellence, strong research potential and the ability to run laboratory, seminar and practical undergraduate sessions. 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. Each project advert lists its own specific criteria.

What you get

The award covers tuition fees plus a combined maintenance grant and salary equivalent to the 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 training in higher education through the Associate Fellowship Scheme. Holders are normally expected to work 200 hours a year in years one to three, including teaching (up to 96 contact hours) or demonstrating (up to 130 contact hours) and related duties such as marking and preparation.

How to apply

Applicants must contact the supervisor of their chosen project before applying, then apply through the PhD application pathway, selecting the lead supervisor and stating that they wish to be considered for the GTA. The application should give reasons for study, an outline research proposal, evidence of qualifications, details of any teaching experience, two academic references and supporting documents.

Key dates

The closing date is 23 October 2026.