South West Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership 2026

An opportunity to apply for a full-time PhD under the South West Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (SWBIO DTP). The SWBio studentships are funded by the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Biotechonology and Biosciences Research Council (BBSRC).

The BBSRC-funded SWBio DTP involves a partnership of world-renown universities, research institutes and industry, based mainly across the South West and Wales. This partnership has established international, national and regional scientific networks, and widely recognised research excellence and facilities.

We aim to provide you with outstanding interdisciplinary bioscience research training, underpinned by transformative technologies.

The expected start date of this studentship is September 2026. 

The closing date for applications is midday (11:59 GMT), Wednesday 3 December 2025.

For an informal discussion about the studentships, please see the contact listed below each project. Please also see the SWBio DTP for further information. 

There are six studentship opportunities available in association with UWE Bristol and more information can be found via the links below:

1. Microbial metabolites as signals for gut cell communication: mapping epithelial signalling and developing rapid readouts in model systems
   For further information, please contact Professor Alexander Greenhough (email: alexander.greenhough@uwe.ac.uk).
   
   
2. Mechanisms of mechanosensation and membrane tension modulation in red blood cell development
   For further information, please contact Dr Tim Satchwell (email: tim.satchwell@uwe.ac.uk).
   
   
3. Investigating a potential mechanism for mammary epithelial cell dynamics
   For further information, please contact Dr Liliana Ordonez (email: lili.ordonez@uwe.ac.uk).
   
   
4. Impact of plant extracellular vesicles (PDEVs) on gastrointestinal cells
   For further information, please contact Dr Jacqueline Barnett (email: jackie.barnett@uwe.ac.uk).
   
   
5. CRISPR-based epigenetic engineering of plant and fungal metabolism
   For further information, please contact Dr Katherine Williams (email: katherine12.williams@uwe.ac.uk).
   
   
6. Characterizing the role and function of lipid droplets in neuronal metabolism
   For further information, please contact Professor Tim Craig (tim.craig@uwe.ac.uk).

You will be recruited directly to a broad, interdisciplinary project, supported by a multidisciplinary supervisory team, with many cross-institutional projects available. Our structured training programme will ensure you are well equipped as a bioscience researcher, supporting careers into academia, industry and beyond.

First year

We provide a broad awareness of the fundamental research approaches in biosciences and how they could be applied to real-life situations through:

• two rotation projects - both allied with but in different disciplinary areas related to the PhD project.
• three taught units - training in Statistics, Bioinformatics, coding, experimental design, innovation and understanding the impact of your research.

Note: You will need to complete the first year to progress into your second year of studies.  Also, if you are unable to continue your PhD, an MRes exit route is available upon completion of the first year.

View further information.

Second to fourth years

The remaining years will be more like a conventional PhD, where you will focus on your PhD project.

Note: The PhD thesis must be submitted within four years (full-time equivalent) of starting the programme.

To help broaden your career horizons, you will undertake:

• a three-month placement of your choice, outside of an academic research environment - examples include working within policy, science communication, industry and scientific publishing.
  or
• a three to 18-month industry placement with your CASE partner – CASE studentships only.

These are to provide you with highly desirable skills, experience and knowledge that can be applied to many career sectors.

About our placement schemes.

You will have the opportunity to join many partnership cohort activities, such as student conferences, workshops and outreach events. Here, you will meet students across the partnership, giving you access to a thriving multidisciplinary and supportive student network.

About our cohort activities.

See information about funding and eligibility.

A limited number of funded-studentships are available for international students.

We support inclusive and flexible work environments, and welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities.

• Our SWBio DTP EDI statement
• How we support our diverse student cohort
• PhD study adjustments and support

We have events available to help you with deciding on a bioscience PhD, and support with applications and interviews.

View further information.

The closing date for applications is midday (11:59 GMT), Wednesday 3 December 2025.

See information on how to apply.