Applications are officially open for the prestigious MRC GW4 BioMed DTP PhD Studentship focusing on “Bacterial pathogen evolution during antibiotic-phage combination treatment” for 2027/28 entry. Hosted primarily at the University of Exeter in collaboration with the GW4 partnership (Bath, Bristol, and Cardiff), this fully funded four-year doctoral research program addresses one of the most critical global health challenges: antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Overview & Key Details
Below is a summary table highlighting the essential features of this PhD studentship opportunity:
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | MRC GW4 BioMed3 Doctoral Landscape Studentship (Ref: 5932) |
| Host Institution | University of Exeter (Centre for Ecology and Conservation) |
| Degree Awarded | PhD in Biological Sciences |
| Lead Supervisor | Professor Edze Westra |
| Program Duration | 4 Years Full-Time (Part-time options available) |
| Target Audience | UK and International Applicants |
| Application Deadline | 21st October 2026 at 5:00 PM UK Time |
| Course Start Date | October 1, 2027 (Exeter term begins September 20, 2027) |
Designation
Post Title: Doctoral Researcher / PhD Student (Biological Sciences)
Research Area
This studentship is categorized under the strategic theme of Infection, Immunity, and Antimicrobial Resistance within the broader field of Biological and Biomedical Sciences. Specific focus areas include:
- Evolutionary biology of bacterial pathogens
- Bacteriophage therapy and phage-bacteria interactions
- Antimicrobial resistance mechanisms and cell-to-cell variation
- Single-cell imaging, biochemistry, and experimental evolution
Location
The primary research will be conducted at the University of Exeter (Centre for Ecology and Conservation), with collaborative cross-institutional research training and access to facilities at the University of Bath and the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom.
Eligibility / Qualification Requirements
Candidates must meet the following academic, residency, and linguistic criteria:
1. Academic Qualifications
- First Degree: Applicants must hold, or be on track to achieve, a First Class or Upper Second Class (2:1) UK Honours degree (or equivalent international qualification) in medical sciences, biological sciences, computing, mathematics, or the physical sciences.
- Lower Second Class (2:2): Applicants with a 2:2 degree will only be considered if they also possess a relevant Master’s degree (with at least a Merit grade if awarded by the University of Bath).
- Relevant non-academic research experience will be considered alongside formal qualifications.
2. Nationality and Residency
- Open to both UK (Home) and International students.
- International applicants receive a fee-waiver scholarship covering the difference between international and home tuition fees.
- International candidates are required to cover personal visa fees, the NHS healthcare surcharge, and relocation costs. International intake is subject to UKRI cap limits (up to 30% per cohort).
3. Language Requirements
- Non-native English speakers must meet the host institution’s English proficiency standards prior to program commencement. For the University of Exeter, an IELTS score of 6.5 minimum (or equivalent recognized test) is required.
Scholarship Description & Benefits
The GW4 BioMed3 Doctoral Landscape Programme offers up to 18 competitive MRC-funded studentships across its partner network. Successful candidates receive a comprehensive funding package that includes:
- Tuition Fees: Full coverage of UK tuition fees (with international fee differences fully covered by institutional match funding).
- Stipend: An annual living allowance matching the UKRI national minimum rate (£21,805 per annum for baseline reference, updated annually).
- Research Support: Research Training and Support Funding (RTSG) of up to £5,000 per annum to cover consumables, conference attendance, and specialized training.
- Interdisciplinary Network: Access to shared research strengths, clinical engagement projects, and translational skill development across Exeter, Bath, Bristol, and Cardiff universities.
Project Overview: Antimicrobial resistance poses a severe threat to modern healthcare. While bacteriophage therapy offers a promising alternative to treat drug-resistant infections, therapeutic failure occurs when bacteria adapt or deploy anti-phage defense mechanisms. This project explores how antibiotics alter bacterial defense strategies, resistance evolution, and phenotypic variations during combined antibiotic-phage treatments, utilizing patient and public involvement to ensure clinical relevance.
How to Apply
Candidates must apply centrally through the GW4 BioMed portal rather than directly through the university application portal in the first instance:
- Select Projects: Applicants may choose up to two project choices across the GW4 BioMed portfolio but must submit only one overall application form.
- Submit Online Application: Complete the central GW4 BioMed online application form for an “Offer of Funding” before the stated deadline.
- Institutional Application: Successful candidates who are offered funding will subsequently be guided to apply for an formal “Offer of Study” at the University of Exeter.
Last Date for Apply
- Applications Open: Wednesday, 9th September 2026
- Application Deadline: Wednesday, 21st October 2026 at 5:00 PM UK Time
- Shortlist Notification: From Tuesday, 22nd December 2026
- Interview Dates: 26th and 27th January 2027 (Virtual interviews)
Note: The admissions panel reserves the right to close applications early if an unprecedented volume of applications is received. Early submission is strongly recommended.
Apply Link & Contact Information
For detailed project listings and to submit your application, visit the official portal:
- Official Application Portal: GW4 BioMed Doctoral Training Program Portal
- Informal Enquiries: Email the central DTP team at GW4BioMed@cardiff.ac.uk
