The School of Life Sciences at the University of Westminster is pleased to offer two fully funded PhD Studentships for outstanding prospective researchers beginning in September 2026.
Our School hosts three internationally recognised research centres: the Centre for Resilience, the Centre for Nutraceuticals, and the Research Centre for Optimal Health, which together create a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment for cutting edge research.
Our research excellence was strongly endorsed in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF), leading to a significant increase in Research England funding. To build on this success and strengthen our contribution to the next REF in 2029, we are offering two funded studentships and four self-funded PhD places.
Based in central London, the School of Life Sciences offers a vibrant research culture supported by a well established doctoral training programme. We are committed to fostering an equitable, diverse and inclusive community where all researchers can thrive. We provide a supportive and safe environment grounded in mutual respect, trust and professionalism.
Funding and eligibility
The studentships include:
- Home tuition fee waiver (£5,238 per year)
- Bench fees (£4,000 per year)
- Annual stipend of £23,805 for three years (including London weighting)
Please note: These studentships can only fund candidates eligible for Home fee status.
We welcome applications from candidates with exceptional research potential in any relevant Life Sciences discipline. Priority areas include:
- Mechanisms of disease
- Biomarkers of healthy ageing
- Infection and disease
- AI, imaging and health
- Exercise, resilience and nutrition
- Medicines development
- Quantum biology
- Stem cells
- Biomaterials and nanotechnology
Read more about the School of Life Sciences.
Impactful doctoral research projects
We are seeking high-quality prospective doctoral students who will select one research project from the list below. We highly recommend discussing your proposal with the relevant Director of Studies before submission.
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student to develop next-generation HIV immunotherapies by combining artificial intelligence with plant molecular farming. HIV remains a major global health challenge, and current treatments are expensive and difficult to deliver in low-resource settings. This project will use AI approaches to predict novel broadly neutralising antibodies capable of targeting conserved regions of the HIV envelope, inspired by rare “elite controllers”. Candidate antibodies will be rapidly produced using low-cost plant expression systems and evaluated in vitro to determine whether their efficacy matches or exceeds existing therapies. The project offers interdisciplinary training across AI, molecular biology, plant biotechnology, and immunology, and is ideal for graduates with interests in computational biology, bioengineering, and global health research.
Please contact Dr Cathy Moore to discuss: [email protected].
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to pioneer a simplified approach to non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for fetal chromosomal abnormalities. This innovative project investigates alternative sources of DNA, such as blood spot samples, that could potentially replace blood plasma for accurate detection of common trisomies (Down's, Edwards', and Patau syndromes), potentially revolutionising prenatal screening accessibility worldwide.
You will develop and validate a novel NIPT assay using cutting-edge molecular techniques, including next-generation sequencing (NGS), cell-free DNA (cfDNA) extraction, and fetal fraction quantification. This combined wet-lab and dry-lab project offers hands-on experience with advanced genomic technologies while conducting a comprehensive cost-effectiveness analysis to assess the feasibility of implementing blood-spot screening in clinical settings. The research addresses a critical healthcare challenge: current plasma-based NIPT requires specialised equipment, trained phlebotomists, and cold-chain transport, limiting accessibility in resource-constrained settings. Your work could enable self-collection, reduce NHS costs, and democratize access to gold-standard prenatal screening globally.
Requirements
Undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in molecular biology, genetics, bioinformatics, or related biomedical sciences. Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail. Commitment to completing mandatory Human Tissue Act (HTA) training. Enthusiasm for collaborative research with clinical partners.
Desirable skills
Experience in omics technologies or bioinformatics data analysis. Knowledge of prenatal diagnostics or reproductive health. Statistical analysis experience. Note: Training in NGS, cfDNA analysis, and data interpretation will be provided during Year 1.
This research directly contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities) by developing accessible diagnostic tools that empower women to make informed reproductive decisions. By simplifying prenatal screening, you will help eliminate healthcare disparities and improve maternal-fetal outcomes in underserved communities. Join us in transforming women's health through innovative biomedical research that bridges laboratory science and real-world clinical impact. This is your opportunity to develop expertise in advanced molecular diagnostics while addressing a critical global healthcare need.
Please contact Dr Maria Neofytou to discuss: [email protected].
The studentships will include comprehensive personal and professional development training and a mentoring programme from the University of Westminster Graduate School. The researchers will join a School committed to decolonising and diversifying policies, practices and cultures within and beyond Higher Education.
Entry requirements and how to apply
Candidates should have a minimum classification of 2.1 in their Bachelor's degree or equivalent, and preferably a Master’s degree. Applicants whose secondary level education has not been conducted in the medium of English should also demonstrate evidence of appropriate English language proficiency normally defined as IELTS: 6.5 (overall score with not less than 6.0 in any of the individual elements).
Read more about:
- Our entry requirements
- How to apply
- What should be in a PhD research proposal
- Our Graduate School and the support they provide
To make an application: Visit the School of Life Sciences page to apply for the programme most appropriate to your research.
Application deadline: Applications should be submitted by 5pm on Friday 15 May 2026.
Interviews will take place in June.
You must include the code and title of the studentship you are applying for in your application header, ie “SLS-1 Studentship”.
For queries about any aspect of the application process or informal enquiries, contact our Doctoral Coordinator, Dr Polly Hayes at [email protected].
* Minimum full-time enrolment before submission is 33 months. Fee waivers and maintenance are in place for the three-year studentship. Following that, there is a six-month no-fee period for writing up. If a doctoral research student has not submitted by the end of the no-fee period, a £1,500 fee applies.