PhD by Research Projects

Biochemistry

The Development of Protein Hydras to Treat Cancer

Lead supervisor: Dr David Beal

The focus of this interdisciplinary project will be to develop novel strategies for the production antibody drug conjugates. By utilising aspects of chemical synthesis, molecular biology, biochemistry and recombinant protein production this project will enable key developments in areas which currently limit ADC efficacy.

Overview of PhD Project

Cancer is a significant health risk with 1 in 2 people expected to develop a form of it during their lifetime. Cancer treatment has traditionally caused significant, debilitating, side-effects due to healthy tissues being killed alongside cancerous. Modern targeted treatments, such as antibody drug conjugates (ADC), have been developed to improve the therapeutic outcomes of cancer treatment but these still have unwanted side effects. There is clear evidence that how ADCs are produced, particularly drugs conjugation strategy, has profound influence on their metabolism within the body and this can give rise to early drug release and therefore unwanted side effects.

This project will develop strategies to overcome these issues, through investigation of different antibody platforms for modification, development of strategies to incorporate multiple different drugs per antibody, and a novel method for the construction of bi/trispecific antibodies. The development of these strategies will allow important understandings to be made in the production, activity and stability of these important biotherapeutic agents.

This exciting interdisciplinary project will build on important developments in trifunctional linker synthesis within the Beal lab allowing investigation of three main areas:

  1. Comparison of nanobodies and IgG based drug conjugates modified using trifunctional linkers – synthesis and activity.
  2. Assessment of drug synergies for polymodified ADC.
  3. Utilisation of trifunctional linkers for the semi-synthesis of IgG like molecules.

The project will focus on HER2 positive breast cancer due to ADC (i.e. Kadcyla) already being utilised in the clinic to treat cancer, thus providing a validated system to work on. This project will provide excellent training in synthetic organic chemistry/analytical techniques, biochemistry/recombinant protein production (bacterial and mammalian), and bioconjugation. These are important skills for academic and industrial research.

Criteria

Successful candidates will demonstrate academic excellence, outstanding research potential and capability to deliver laboratory, seminars, and practical undergraduate level sessions. In addition, applicants should see specific PhD adverts for each projects specific criteria (below for links to PhD projects).

Applicants should have, or expect to obtain, a first or upper second-class honours degree in a relevant subject, and ideally a Master’s degree or equivalent.

The studentships are open to Home students.

The University of Kent requires all non-native speakers of English to hold a minimum standard of proficiency in written and spoken English before beginning a postgraduate degree.

Scholarship Value

GTA awards include tuition fees plus a combined maintenance grant and salary equivalent to the Research Councils UK National Minimum Doctoral Stipend (£21,805 for 2026/27) for the first three years followed by fees and maintenance grant for a further six months. Scholars also receive fee-paid teacher in Higher Education training through the Associate Fellowship Scheme.

Deadline

The deadline for applications for this scholarship is 23rd October, 2026

Further details

The school of Natural Science at the University of Kent invites applications for 4 fully funded 3.5 PhD (GTA) for the following disciplines; Biochemistry, Chemistry, Computational Biology, Genetics and Sports.  You will normally be expected to work for 200 hours per annum in years 1 to 3, including teaching (maximum 96 contact hours per year) or demonstrating (maximum 130 contact hours per year) and related duties such as marking, preparation and examination. Further details of GTA terms and conditions are here:

https://www.kent.ac.uk/scholarships/postgraduate/terms-and-conditions-gtas

There are 13 projects to choose from but only 4 scholarships will be awarded. As a result, the selection process will be competitive, and applicants should be aware that meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee an award.  Applicants strongly encouraged to speak with prospective supervisors prior to completing their application.

How to apply

Applicants must contact the relevant supervisor for their chosen project before submitting an application for the scholarship. Supervisor contact details are provided alongside each available project.

Please apply through the PhD application pathway on the following link and select the relevant project’s lead supervisor.

Biochemistry PhD

In your application please include:

  • explain reasons for study
  • provide an outline of a research proposal
  • provide details and evidence of qualifications
  • provide details of any teaching experience
  • provide two academic references
  • provide other personal information and supporting documentation
  • make sure you include that you want to be considered for the GTA on the application
  • Applicants are strongly advised to contact the lead supervisor Dr. David Beal D.M.Beal@kent.ac.uk

Further details about the School of Natural Sciences

The School of Natural Sciences at Kent is where curiosity meets purpose. Uniting the fields of biosciences, conservation, chemistry, forensic science, and sports and exercise science, we are dedicated to unlocking the mysteries of the natural world and applying this knowledge to solve critical challenges. Through hands-on research, fieldwork, and a collaborative community, we empower students to become innovators and leaders in shaping a healthier, more sustainable future. At Kent, you’ll gain the expertise and insight to make a lasting impact – whether in the lab, in the field, or in society.

For further information about our subjects please follow these links

Biosciences https://www.kent.ac.uk/biosciences

Conservation https://www.kent.ac.uk/durrell-institute-conservation-ecology

Chemistry and Forensic Sciences https://www.kent.ac.uk/chemistry-forensic-science

Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences https://www.kent.ac.uk/sport-sciences

 

Cell Biology

Giving cells a voice: generating a synthetic cellular health dashboard for biotechnology and medicine

Lead supervisor: Dr James Budge

Engineer mammalian cells to report their health in real time using fluorescent synthetic circuits. This PhD will design, build and test sensors for key cellular stresses, combining synthetic biology, mammalian cell engineering and live-cell analysis to improve bioprocessing while creating tools with potential applications in disease modelling and medicine.

Overview of PhD Project:

Can we engineer mammalian cells to tell us when they are healthy, stressed or starting to fail during medicine production and disease? This PhD will design and develop fluorescent synthetic circuits that allow mammalian cells to report their health and functional capacity in real time.

Mammalian cells are used to manufacture biologics, viral vectors and advanced medicines, but their performance can deteriorate long before conventional measurements reveal problems. Stresses like nutrient depletion, protein-folding stress and metabolic-redox imbalance can reduce productivity, compromise product quality leading to process failure. By engineering cells that convert stresses into measurable fluorescent signals, this project aims to create tools for real-time monitoring and dynamic control of mammalian cells.

Beyond biomanufacturing, these principles support disease models, drug discovery, toxicity testing, cell-based diagnostics and smart therapeutic strategies.

Key objectives:

  1. Design synthetic sensing circuits that repurpose native mammalian regulatory mechanisms to detect ER stress, nutrient depletion and oxidative stress.
  2. Build and optimise fluorescent reporter systems that generate rapid, sensitive and reproducible readouts of cellular health in living cells.
  3. Apply the strongest reporters to industrially relevant bioprocesses, linking cellular health with productivity, product quality and process performance.

You will design and implement genetic tools using responsive promoter elements, RNA folding and translation, and post-translational activation or deactivation mechanisms. Open-access datasets will guide circuit design, and the project will be driven by experimental synthetic biology and mammalian cell engineering.

You will take ownership of the design-build-test cycle while developing practical skills in molecular biology, mammalian cell culture, live fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry and translational biology. You will construct circuits, engineer cells, induce defined stresses, track responses and test the strongest systems during production of industrially relevant proteins.

This project is ideal for a student who wants to create new genetic technologies with applications across biotechnology and medicine.

Scholarship Value

GTA awards include tuition fees plus a combined maintenance grant and salary equivalent to the Research Councils UK National Minimum Doctoral Stipend (£21,805 for 2026/27) for the first three years followed by fees and maintenance grant for a further six months. Scholars also receive fee-paid teacher in Higher Education training through the Associate Fellowship Scheme.

Deadline

The deadline for applications for this scholarship is 23rd October, 2026

Criteria

Successful candidates will demonstrate academic excellence, outstanding research potential and capability to deliver laboratory, seminars, and practical undergraduate level sessions. In addition, applicants should see specific PhD adverts for each projects specific criteria (below for links to PhD projects).

Applicants should have, or expect to obtain, a first or upper second-class honours degree in a relevant subject, and ideally a Master’s degree or equivalent.

The studentships are open to Home students.

Further details

The school of Natural Science at the University of Kent invites applications for 4 fully funded 3.5 PhD (GTA) for the following disciplines; Biochemistry, Chemistry, Computational Biology, Genetics and Sports.  You will normally be expected to work for 200 hours per annum in years 1 to 3, including teaching (maximum 96 contact hours per year) or demonstrating (maximum 130 contact hours per year) and related duties such as marking, preparation and examination. Further details of GTA terms and conditions are here:

https://www.kent.ac.uk/scholarships/postgraduate/terms-and-conditions-gtas

There are 13 projects to choose from but only 4 scholarships will be awarded. As a result, the selection process will be competitive, and applicants should be aware that meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee an award.  Applicants strongly encouraged to speak with prospective supervisors prior to completing their application.

How to apply

Applicants must contact the relevant supervisor for their chosen project before submitting an application for the scholarship. Supervisor contact details are provided alongside each available project.

Please apply through the PhD application pathway on the following link and select the relevant project’s lead supervisor.

Cell Biology

In your application please include:

  • explain reasons for study
  • provide an outline of a research proposal
  • provide details and evidence of qualifications
  • provide details of any teaching experience
  • provide two academic references
  • provide other personal information and supporting documentation
  • make sure you include that you want to be considered for the GTA on the application

Dr. James Budge- J.D.Budge-42@kent.ac.uk
Dr James Budge – Biosciences at Kent – University of Kent

Further details about the School of Natural Sciences

The School of Natural Sciences at Kent is where curiosity meets purpose. Uniting the fields of biosciences, conservation, chemistry, forensic science, and sports and exercise science, we are dedicated to unlocking the mysteries of the natural world and applying this knowledge to solve critical challenges. Through hands-on research, fieldwork, and a collaborative community, we empower students to become innovators and leaders in shaping a healthier, more sustainable future. At Kent, you’ll gain the expertise and insight to make a lasting impact – whether in the lab, in the field, or in society.

For further information about our subjects please follow these links

Biosciences https://www.kent.ac.uk/biosciences

Conservation https://www.kent.ac.uk/durrell-institute-conservation-ecology

Chemistry and Forensic Sciences https://www.kent.ac.uk/chemistry-forensic-science

Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences https://www.kent.ac.uk/sport-sciences

 

Circular DNA’s a novel method of plant evolution

Supervisor: Dr Helen Cockerton

Discover a hidden layer of plant genetics. This PhD project will investigate mysterious circular DNA that can carry genes across generations without becoming part of the plant genome. Through a combination of molecular biology and synthetic biology, you will help develop next-generation technologies with the potential to transform crop improvement.

Overview of PhD Project

This PhD project will investigate a novel strategy of plant evolution. Circular DNA structures have been found in wild plants and can encode for over 50 genes, yet do not form part of the core plant genome. Such a discovery has redefined the rules by which genetic material can be inherited from one generation to the next.

Remarkably, these circular DNAs and the genetic code they contain, can be passed from cell to cell through “hitchhiking”. This is because they can tether onto the ends of chromosomes, allowing transmission through both cell division and sex cell production, which, in turn permits stable inheritance of desirable genes across multiple generations. To date, we do not understand how these structures replicate and tether to chromosomes. As part of this PhD the student will look to characterise the mechanism of circular DNA transmission, to achieve this, they will use molecular biology skills, transformation of protoplasts and investigate single molecule protein-DNA interactions.

Understanding this atypical mechanism of genetic inheritance has the potential to assist the development of a novel genetic modification strategy. We are currently in desperate need for new crop improvement technologies; as feeding the growing global population requires food production to increase by 35-56% between 2010 and 2050. Our novel GM solution could allow a large suite of beneficial genes to be maintained in crop plants providing a mechanism to boost crop yield and resilience.

Scholarship Value

GTA awards include tuition fees plus a combined maintenance grant and salary equivalent to the Research Councils UK National Minimum Doctoral Stipend (£21,805 for 2026/27) for the first three years followed by fees and maintenance grant for a further six months. Scholars also receive fee-paid teacher in Higher Education training through the Associate Fellowship Scheme.

Deadline

The deadline for applications for this scholarship is 23rd October, 2026

Criteria

Successful candidates will demonstrate academic excellence, outstanding research potential and capability to deliver laboratory, seminars, and practical undergraduate level sessions. In addition, applicants should see specific PhD adverts for each projects specific criteria (below for links to PhD projects).

Applicants should have, or expect to obtain, a first or upper second-class honours degree in a relevant subject, and ideally a Master’s degree or equivalent.

The studentships are open to Home students.

Further details

The school of Natural Science at the University of Kent invites applications for 4 fully funded 3.5 PhD (GTA) for the following disciplines; Biochemistry, Chemistry, Computational Biology, Genetics and Sports.  You will normally be expected to work for 200 hours per annum in years 1 to 3, including teaching (maximum 96 contact hours per year) or demonstrating (maximum 130 contact hours per year) and related duties such as marking, preparation and examination. Further details of GTA terms and conditions are here:

https://www.kent.ac.uk/scholarships/postgraduate/terms-and-conditions-gtas

There are 13 projects to choose from but only 4 scholarships will be awarded. As a result, the selection process will be competitive, and applicants should be aware that meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee an award.  Applicants strongly encouraged to speak with prospective supervisors prior to completing their application.

How to apply

Applicants must contact the relevant supervisor for their chosen project before submitting an application for the scholarship. Supervisor contact details are provided alongside each available project.

Please apply through the PhD application pathway on the following link and select the relevant project’s lead supervisor.

Cell Biology

In your application please include:

  • explain reasons for study
  • provide an outline of a research proposal
  • provide details and evidence of qualifications
  • provide details of any teaching experience
  • provide two academic references
  • provide other personal information and supporting documentation
  • make sure you include that you want to be considered for the GTA on the application
  • Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact a potential supervisor before applying. Supervisors may be found here: Helen Cockerton – h.cockerton@kent.ac.uk

Further details about the School of Natural Sciences

The School of Natural Sciences at Kent is where curiosity meets purpose. Uniting the fields of biosciences, conservation, chemistry, forensic science, and sports and exercise science, we are dedicated to unlocking the mysteries of the natural world and applying this knowledge to solve critical challenges. Through hands-on research, fieldwork, and a collaborative community, we empower students to become innovators and leaders in shaping a healthier, more sustainable future. At Kent, you’ll gain the expertise and insight to make a lasting impact – whether in the lab, in the field, or in society.

For further information about our subjects please follow these links

Biosciences https://www.kent.ac.uk/biosciences

Conservation https://www.kent.ac.uk/durrell-institute-conservation-ecology

Chemistry and Forensic Sciences https://www.kent.ac.uk/chemistry-forensic-science

Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences https://www.kent.ac.uk/sport-sciences

 

Genetics

A Microbiome-Based Approach to Target Shared Mechanisms of Neurodegenerative Diseases

Lead supervisor: Dr Marina Ezcurra

The gut microbiome could transform how we tackle neurodegenerative disease. Using innovative models of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease, we will uncover how gut microbes influence shared disease mechanisms and protein aggregation. Our goal is to identify microbiome-based interventions that could slow neurodegeneration and deliver accessible, personalised approaches to healthier brain ageing.

Overview of PhD Project

It is an exciting time in the field of neurodegenerative disease. Rather than treating symptoms, there is increasing interest in developing disease-modifying therapies that target the underlying mechanisms of disease. Although Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’s disease are characterised by distinct pathological proteins and clinical manifestations, they share conserved pathological processes. These processes include mitochondrial dysfunction (impaired cellular energy production), impaired proteostasis (protein quality control), altered metabolism, chronic inflammation (persistent immune activation), and involvement of protein misfolding/aggregation into amyloid structures. New evidence suggests that the gut microbiome can modulate these pathways, presenting a novel opportunity to develop microbiome-based interventions that target common disease mechanisms across multiple neurodegenerative diseases.

To address this question, we have developed a novel host-microbiota model system combining the genetically tractable model organism C. elegans and a simplified, defined microbiota, combined with humanised pre-clinical models of neurodegenerative diseases. This platform enables rapid comparison of microbiota-host interactions across diseases, identification of conserved microbiota-responsive pathways, and mechanistic evaluation of microbiome-based therapeutic interventions. Key findings will be taken forward through in vitro protein aggregation assays, biophysical characterisation of aggregate assembly, and validation in relevant neuronal cell models.

Project aims:

Aim 1. Identify microbiota that modify neurodegenerative disease progression across models of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s.

Aim 2. Define the conserved mechanisms by which the microbiota modulates neurodegeneration, including proteostasis, mitochondrial function, metabolism and inflammation.

Aim 3. Validate conserved microbiome-responsive pathways and determine how they influence pathological protein aggregation using in vitro assays.

Significance: Microbiome-based interventions offer a promising new therapeutic strategy to modify disease mechanisms rather than simply alleviate symptoms. They could complement or provide alternatives to conventional pharmaceuticals through probiotics, microbial therapeutics or dietary interventions that reshape the gut microbiome, providing accessible, inexpensive and personalised approaches to promote healthy brain ageing and reduce neurodegenerative disease progression.

Scholarship Value

GTA awards include tuition fees plus a combined maintenance grant and salary equivalent to the Research Councils UK National Minimum Doctoral Stipend (£21,805 for 2026/27) for the first three years followed by fees and maintenance grant for a further six months. Scholars also receive fee-paid teacher in Higher Education training through the Associate Fellowship Scheme.

Deadline

The deadline for applications for this scholarship is 23rd October, 2026

Criteria

Successful candidates will demonstrate academic excellence, outstanding research potential and capability to deliver laboratory, seminars, and practical undergraduate level sessions. In addition, applicants should see specific PhD adverts for each projects specific criteria (below for links to PhD projects).

Applicants should have, or expect to obtain, a first or upper second-class honours degree in a relevant subject, and ideally a Master’s degree or equivalent.

The studentships are open to Home students.

Further details

The school of Natural Science at the University of Kent invites applications for 4 fully funded 3.5 PhD (GTA) for the following disciplines; Biochemistry, Chemistry, Computational Biology, Genetics and Sports.  You will normally be expected to work for 200 hours per annum in years 1 to 3, including teaching (maximum 96 contact hours per year) or demonstrating (maximum 130 contact hours per year) and related duties such as marking, preparation and examination. Further details of GTA terms and conditions are here:

https://www.kent.ac.uk/scholarships/postgraduate/terms-and-conditions-gtas

There are 13 projects to choose from but only 4 scholarships will be awarded. As a result, the selection process will be competitive, and applicants should be aware that meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee an award.  Applicants strongly encouraged to speak with prospective supervisors prior to completing their application.

How to apply

Applicants must contact the relevant supervisor for their chosen project before submitting an application for the scholarship. Supervisor contact details are provided alongside each available project.

Please apply through the PhD application pathway on the following link and select the relevant project’s lead supervisor.

Genetics

In your application please include:

  • explain reasons for study
  • provide an outline of a research proposal
  • provide details and evidence of qualifications
  • provide details of any teaching experience
  • provide two academic references
  • provide other personal information and supporting documentation
  • make sure you include that you want to be considered for the GTA on the application
  • Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact a potential supervisor before applying. Supervisors may be found here: Dr Marina Ezcurra, m.ezcurra@kent.ac.uk, Kent website, LinkedIn

Further details about the School of Natural Sciences

The School of Natural Sciences at Kent is where curiosity meets purpose. Uniting the fields of biosciences, conservation, chemistry, forensic science, and sports and exercise science, we are dedicated to unlocking the mysteries of the natural world and applying this knowledge to solve critical challenges. Through hands-on research, fieldwork, and a collaborative community, we empower students to become innovators and leaders in shaping a healthier, more sustainable future. At Kent, you’ll gain the expertise and insight to make a lasting impact – whether in the lab, in the field, or in society.

For further information about our subjects please follow these links

Biosciences https://www.kent.ac.uk/biosciences

Conservation https://www.kent.ac.uk/durrell-institute-conservation-ecology

Chemistry and Forensic Sciences https://www.kent.ac.uk/chemistry-forensic-science

Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences https://www.kent.ac.uk/sport-sciences

 

Decoding sex differences in appetite, fat accumulation and metabolism: From neuronal mechanisms to human health

Lead supervisor: Dr Jennifer Tullet

Why are men and women so different? This PhD investigates how the genetics of the brain regulates sex-specific appetite, fat and metabolism. It will train you in neuroscience, genomics, C. elegans genetics, cell culture and human data to uncover sex-differences that will inform personalised approaches for metabolic health.

Overview of PhD Project

Obesity and poor metabolic health affects more than one billion people worldwide and is a major risk factor for diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Yet men and women differ in their susceptibility and response to treatments, and we still have limited understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying these differences. This PhD studentship will investigate how the brain regulates appetite, fat accumulation and metabolism, and why these processes are affected by biological sex.

The project will focus on SKN-1B, a conserved transcription factor in Caenorhabditis elegans and a member of the Nrf family of transcription factors in humans. This molecule is only found in the C. elegans nervous system. Our recent research has shown that SKN-1B is important for regulating sex-specific feeding, fat accumulation, and metabolism, providing an exciting starting point for investigating how the nervous system coordinates these competing physiological demands to optimise energy allocation. Using C. elegans, you will identify the genes, neurons and molecular pathways that control feeding and metabolic responses in different biological sexes. You will then be able to test these hypotheses in mammalian cells and investigate them in large-scale human genetic datasets, allowing you to determine whether conserved pathways contribute to sex differences in human metabolic health.

Your supervisory team will have expertise in genetics, neuroscience, metabolism, mammalian cell biology and human genomics; and you will receive broad interdisciplinary training in molecular genetics, neuroscience, genomics, bioinformatics and advanced imaging, including genome editing, transgenic reporters, behavioural analysis, neuronal circuit mapping and metabolic phenotyping. The project will also involve analysis of RNA-sequencing, chromatin-profiling and human datasets.

The research will contribute to an emerging programme investigating the biological basis of sex differences in appetite, fat accumulation and metabolism, with potential to inform more personalised approaches to obesity and related diseases.

Scholarship Value

GTA awards include tuition fees plus a combined maintenance grant and salary equivalent to the Research Councils UK National Minimum Doctoral Stipend (£21,805 for 2026/27) for the first three years followed by fees and maintenance grant for a further six months. Scholars also receive fee-paid teacher in Higher Education training through the Associate Fellowship Scheme.

Deadline

The deadline for applications for this scholarship is 23rd October, 2026

Criteria

Successful candidates will demonstrate academic excellence, outstanding research potential and capability to deliver laboratory, seminars, and practical undergraduate level sessions. In addition, applicants should see specific PhD adverts for each projects specific criteria (below for links to PhD projects).

Applicants should have, or expect to obtain, a first or upper second-class honours degree in a relevant subject, and ideally a Master’s degree or equivalent.

The studentships are open to Home students.

Further details

The school of Natural Science at the University of Kent invites applications for 4 fully funded 3.5 PhD (GTA) for the following disciplines; Biochemistry, Chemistry, Computational Biology, Genetics and Sports.  You will normally be expected to work for 200 hours per annum in years 1 to 3, including teaching (maximum 96 contact hours per year) or demonstrating (maximum 130 contact hours per year) and related duties such as marking, preparation and examination. Further details of GTA terms and conditions are here:

https://www.kent.ac.uk/scholarships/postgraduate/terms-and-conditions-gtas

There are 13 projects to choose from but only 4 scholarships will be awarded. As a result, the selection process will be competitive, and applicants should be aware that meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee an award.  Applicants strongly encouraged to speak with prospective supervisors prior to completing their application.

How to apply

Applicants must contact the relevant supervisor for their chosen project before submitting an application for the scholarship. Supervisor contact details are provided alongside each available project.

Please apply through the PhD application pathway on the following link and select the relevant project’s lead supervisor.

Genetics

In your application please include:

  • explain reasons for study
  • provide an outline of a research proposal
  • provide details and evidence of qualifications
  • provide details of any teaching experience
  • provide two academic references
  • provide other personal information and supporting documentation
  • make sure you include that you want to be considered for the GTA on the application
  • Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact a potential supervisor before applying. Supervisors may be found here: j.m.a.tullet@kent.ac.uk and C.M.Smales@kent.ac.uk

Further details about the School of Natural Sciences

The School of Natural Sciences at Kent is where curiosity meets purpose. Uniting the fields of biosciences, conservation, chemistry, forensic science, and sports and exercise science, we are dedicated to unlocking the mysteries of the natural world and applying this knowledge to solve critical challenges. Through hands-on research, fieldwork, and a collaborative community, we empower students to become innovators and leaders in shaping a healthier, more sustainable future. At Kent, you’ll gain the expertise and insight to make a lasting impact – whether in the lab, in the field, or in society.

For further information about our subjects please follow these links

Biosciences https://www.kent.ac.uk/biosciences

Conservation https://www.kent.ac.uk/durrell-institute-conservation-ecology

Chemistry and Forensic Sciences https://www.kent.ac.uk/chemistry-forensic-science

Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences https://www.kent.ac.uk/sport-sciences

 

Computational Biology

Evolutionary and Functional Genomics of Social Chromosomes

Lead supervisor: Dr Eugene Privman

This PhD project will investigate the molecular evolutionary basis of so-called “social chromosomes”, which determine social structure in many ant species. The research will involve computational analysis, including phylogenomics and deep learning models of protein structure, as well as functional genomics, including comparative gene expression analysis in Formica ants.

Overview of PhD Project

“Social chromosomes” contain large non-recombining regions (known as “supergenes”) that determine social polymorphism, analogous to sex chromosomes1,2,3. They often display non-Mendelian transmission and evolve recessive lethality like Y chromosomes. Formica ants, which are common across Europe, are studied extensively and genomic sequences are available for more than 90 species, many of which display homologous social chromosomes.

The proposed PhD project will build on our previous research and involve phylogenomic and comparative genomic analyses, including machine learning approaches, of unprecedented genomic datasets, including hundreds of genomes across the Hymenoptera. The student may benefit from and contribute to ongoing collaboration with the Sumner lab (UCL), who uses this dataset for the study of sensory functions in wasps. The projects are potentially linked because the social chromosome is enriched with olfactory receptors, which are implicated in response to pheromones.

Research topics include:

  • Conserved genes and adaptive evolution of social chromosomes

The student will have the opportunity to computationally study conserved genes across social chromosomes and test for adaptive evolution of olfactory receptors, including structural modelling of ligand binding pockets using the AlphaFold deep learning model. This approach can reveal genes that are central to the social phenotype, as well as deleterious mutations in recessive lethal “Y-like” chromosomes.

  • Molecular genetic mechanisms of social chromosomes

The student will have the opportunity to conduct functional genomic assays to investigate genes on the social chromosome, which are implicated in the variation in social behaviour. These studies may include gene expression analysis (RNA-seq) and epigenetic analysis (e.g. ATAC-seq or Hi-C). For example, comparative expression analyses of developing larvae in sister Formica species with and without recessively lethal chromosomes could reveal the molecular genetic basis of this phenomenon.

References
  1. Wang et al. 2013, Nature.
  2. Purcell et al. 2014, Current Biology.
  3. Lajmi et al. 2026, Current Biology.

Scholarship Value

GTA awards include tuition fees plus a combined maintenance grant and salary equivalent to the Research Councils UK National Minimum Doctoral Stipend (£21,805 for 2026/27) for the first three years followed by fees and maintenance grant for a further six months. Scholars also receive fee-paid teacher in Higher Education training through the Associate Fellowship Scheme.

Deadline

The deadline for applications for this scholarship is 23rd October, 2026

Criteria

Successful candidates will demonstrate academic excellence, outstanding research potential and capability to deliver laboratory, seminars, and practical undergraduate level sessions. In addition, applicants should see specific PhD adverts for each projects specific criteria (below for links to PhD projects).

Applicants should have, or expect to obtain, a first or upper second-class honours degree in a relevant subject, and ideally a Master’s degree or equivalent.

The studentships are open to Home students.

Further details

The school of Natural Science at the University of Kent invites applications for 4 fully funded 3.5 PhD (GTA) for the following disciplines; Biochemistry, Chemistry, Computational Biology, Genetics and Sports.  You will normally be expected to work for 200 hours per annum in years 1 to 3, including teaching (maximum 96 contact hours per year) or demonstrating (maximum 130 contact hours per year) and related duties such as marking, preparation and examination. Further details of GTA terms and conditions are here:

https://www.kent.ac.uk/scholarships/postgraduate/terms-and-conditions-gtas

There are 13 projects to choose from but only 4 scholarships will be awarded. As a result, the selection process will be competitive, and applicants should be aware that meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee an award.  Applicants strongly encouraged to speak with prospective supervisors prior to completing their application.

How to apply

Applicants must contact the relevant supervisor for their chosen project before submitting an application for the scholarship. Supervisor contact details are provided alongside each available project.

Please apply through the PhD application pathway on the following link and select the relevant project’s lead supervisor.

Computational Biology

In your application please include:

  • explain reasons for study
  • provide an outline of a research proposal
  • provide details and evidence of qualifications
  • provide details of any teaching experience
  • provide two academic references
  • provide other personal information and supporting documentation
  • make sure you include that you want to be considered for the GTA on the application
  • Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact a potential supervisor before applying. Supervisors may be found here: Dr. Eugene Privman; email: E.Privman@kent.ac.uk

Further details about the School of Natural Sciences

The School of Natural Sciences at Kent is where curiosity meets purpose. Uniting the fields of biosciences, conservation, chemistry, forensic science, and sports and exercise science, we are dedicated to unlocking the mysteries of the natural world and applying this knowledge to solve critical challenges. Through hands-on research, fieldwork, and a collaborative community, we empower students to become innovators and leaders in shaping a healthier, more sustainable future. At Kent, you’ll gain the expertise and insight to make a lasting impact – whether in the lab, in the field, or in society.

For further information about our subjects please follow these links

Biosciences https://www.kent.ac.uk/biosciences

Conservation https://www.kent.ac.uk/durrell-institute-conservation-ecology

Chemistry and Forensic Sciences https://www.kent.ac.uk/chemistry-forensic-science

Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences https://www.kent.ac.uk/sport-sciences