Applications are invited for an MRC-funded four-year PhD studentship within the GW4 BioMed3 Doctoral Landscape Programme for the 2027/28 academic entry. Based at the University of Exeter in collaboration with the Universities of Bath and Bristol, this research project investigates how antibiotic-phage combination therapies influence bacterial evolution, resistance mechanisms, and cell-to-cell variations.
Overview Table
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | MRC GW4 BioMed3 Doctoral Landscape Award |
| Designation | PhD Researcher / Doctoral Candidate |
| Host Institution | University of Exeter (collaborating with University of Bath and University of Bristol) |
| Lead Partner | Cardiff University (GW4 Consortium) |
| Study Mode & Duration | 4 Years Full-Time (Part-time options available) |
| Funding Level | Full Tuition Fees + Annual UKRI Stipend (£21,805+ p.a.) + £5,000 p.a. RTSG |
| Eligible Nationalities | UK & International (EU/Overseas) |
| Application Deadline | 21st October 2026 at 5:00 PM BST |
Designation
Postgraduate Doctoral Researcher (PhD Studentship) in Ecology and Conservation / Biomedical Sciences.
Research Area
The studentship is aligned with the core theme of Infection, Immunity, and Antimicrobial Resistance. The specific research project focuses on “Bacterial pathogen evolution during antibiotic-phage combination treatment.”
Key methodologies and scientific approaches will integrate:
- Experimental microbial evolution
- Molecular microbiology and biochemistry
- Single-cell fluorescence and microscopic imaging
- Bacteriophage therapy kinetics and resistance suppression
- Patient and public involvement (PPI) to address clinically translatable outcomes
Location
Primary research will take place at the University of Exeter, United Kingdom, with cross-institutional access to laboratories, equipment, and co-supervisory teams at the University of Bath and University of Bristol.
Scholarship Description & Financial Benefits
Funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC) through the GW4 BioMed3 DTP, successful candidates will receive comprehensive financial and professional support, including:
- Full Tuition Fee Waiver: Covers 100% of UK tuition fees. GW4 partner universities cover the difference between home and international tuition fees for successful overseas candidates.
- Doctoral Living Stipend: Minimum of £21,805 per annum (indexed annually to official UKRI rates) for up to 4 years.
- Research Training and Support Grant (RTSG): Up to £5,000 per annum for consumables, conference travel, and project-specific technical training.
- Cross-Institutional Cohort Training: Access to professional development, advanced workshops, and research facilities across Cardiff, Bristol, Bath, and Exeter.
Note for International Students: While international fees are covered, international candidates must independently fund their UK student visa, immigration health surcharge (IHS), and initial relocation expenses.
Eligibility and Qualifications
Candidates must meet the following academic and personal entry criteria:
- Academic Qualifications: A first-class (1st) or upper second-class (2:1) UK Honours undergraduate degree or an equivalent international qualification in medical sciences, biological sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, or computing.
- Master’s Degree Condition: Candidates holding a lower second-class (2:2) undergraduate degree will only be considered if they also hold a relevant Master’s degree (at least a Merit grade or equivalent).
- Residency: Open to both Home (UK) and International applicants (international intake is capped at 30% across the partnership).
- English Language Proficiency: Non-native English speakers must achieve the host institution’s minimum English requirement. For the University of Exeter, an overall IELTS score of 6.5 (with no individual section score lower than 6.0) or equivalent is required.
How to Apply
The GW4 BioMed3 application is a dual-stage process. Prospective candidates must first obtain an offer of funding through the central partnership platform:
- Visit the central GW4 BioMed application portal to review project requirements. Candidates may apply for up to two eligible projects across the DTP consortium using a single submission.
- Complete and submit the official online application form before the stated cutoff time.
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in online interviews scheduled for 26th and 27th January 2027.
- Nominated awardees will subsequently be guided to submit a formal postgraduate study application to the University of Exeter.
Last Date for Apply
The closing date for applications is Wednesday, 21st October 2026 at 5:00 PM BST.
Notice: The consortium reserves the right to close the application window earlier if a high volume of submissions is reached. Early application is strongly advised.
Apply Link
To access the complete project description, supervisor contact details, and application instructions, visit the official portal:
Apply Now at GW4 BioMed Official Site
For specific university award details, visit the University of Exeter Award Page.
