Summary
The GW4 BioMed3 Doctoral Landscape Programme is offering up to 18 MRC-funded PhD studentships, including a project focused on bacterial pathogen evolution during antibiotic-phage combination treatment. These four-year studentships provide full funding for fees and a stipend at the UKRI rate, along with research training and support costs. The programme is open to both UK and International students, fostering interdisciplinary science across the Universities of Bath, Bristol, Cardiff, and Exeter.
PhD Studentship: Bacterial Pathogen Evolution During Antibiotic-Phage Combination Treatment (MRC GW4 BioMed DTP)
Designation
PhD in Ecology and Conservation (MRC GW4 BioMed DTP PhD Studentship)
Scholarship Details
| Award Type | Funding Body | Host Institutions | Duration | Stipend (2026/27) | Tuition Fees | Additional Funding |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PhD Studentship | MRC GW4 BioMed DTP | Universities of Bath, Bristol, Cardiff, Exeter | 4 Years (Full-time) | £21,805 p.a. (updated annually) | UK/Home Fees covered (International fees difference covered) | Up to £5,000 p.a. for research training and support |
Research Area
This project investigates bacterial pathogen evolution during antibiotic-phage combination treatment. It aims to understand how antibiotics influence phage-bacteria interactions, resistance evolution, and cellular responses. The research will combine experimental evolution, microbiology, single-cell imaging, and biochemistry, with a focus on clinically relevant questions through patient and public involvement. This specific project falls under the ‘Infection, Immunity, and Antimicrobial Resistance’ theme within the GW4 BioMed3 programme.
Location
The PhD project will involve work across the Universities of Exeter, Bath, and Bristol. The GW4 BioMed3 programme is a partnership between the Universities of Bath, Bristol, Cardiff (lead), and Exeter.
Eligibility/Qualification
Residency
- Available to UK and International applicants.
- EU students are classified as international unless they have rights under the EU Settlement Scheme.
- The GW4 partners will cover the difference between home and international tuition fees for international candidates.
- International candidates are responsible for their student visa, healthcare surcharge, and relocation costs.
- A cap of 30% international students applies across the programme annually.
Academic Criteria
- Applicants must have obtained, or be about to obtain, a first or upper second-class UK honours degree, or equivalent qualification outside the UK.
- Relevant fields include medical sciences, computing, mathematics, or physical sciences.
- Applicants with a lower second-class degree will be considered only if they also hold a Master’s degree (at least a Merit for the University of Bath).
- Academic qualifications are considered alongside significant relevant non-academic experience.
English Language Requirements
- If English is not your first language, you must meet the English language requirements of the host university by the start of the programme.
- For projects hosted at the University of Exeter, this requires at least 6.5 in IELTS or an acceptable equivalent.
Scholarship Description
The MRC GW4 BioMed3 Doctoral Landscape Programme offers prestigious PhD studentships designed to train and develop graduates with strong research, critical analysis, creative problem-solving, and translational skills. This specific project addresses the critical threat of antimicrobial resistance by exploring the dynamics of bacterial pathogen evolution when treated with a combination of antibiotics and bacteriophages. Students will benefit from the combined research strengths, training expertise, and resources of four leading research-intensive universities, with opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and patient involvement to ensure clinical relevance.
How to Apply
- Visit the GW4 BioMed website at gw4biomed.ac.uk for a list of all available projects and application instructions.
- You may select up to two projects and submit only one application per candidate.
- Complete the online application form for an ‘offer of funding’ through the GW4 BioMed3 website.
- If successful, you will also need to apply for an ‘offer to study’ to your chosen institution at a later stage.
- Interviews for shortlisted candidates will be held virtually.
Last Date for Apply
Wednesday, 21st October 2026, by 5:00 PM (GMT).
Note: The application process may close earlier if an unprecedented number of applications are received. Please check the GW4 BioMed website for updates.
Apply Link
