South West Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership 2025

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).

There are six projects available in association with UWE Bristol.

The expected start date of this studentship is September 2025. 

The closing date for applications is midnight (23:59 GMT), 11 December 2024.

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. Linking plant nutritional ecology with insect chemical ecology to promote regenerative agriculture (PDF)
   For further information, please contact Dr Peter Maxfield (email: pete.maxfield@uwe.ac.uk).
   
   
2. The role of cover crops in tackling wireworm damage to potatoes (PDF) *CASE
   For further information, please contact Dr Peter Maxfield (email: pete.maxfield@uwe.ac.uk).
   
   
3. Defining the role of astrocytes in neuronal health and the implications of neuroinflammation (PDF)
   For further information, please contact Dr Lucy Crompton (email: lucy.crompton@uwe.ac.uk).
   
   
4. Mechanisms of mechanosensation and membrane tension modulation in red blood cell development (PDF)
   For further information, please contact Dr: Tim Satchwell (email: tim.satchwell@uwe.ac.uk).
   
   
5. Creating a 4D atlas of body composition and gait with 3D cameras and deep learning to inform next generation cattle health and welfare developments (PDF)
   For further information, please contact: Professor Mark Hansen (email: mark.hansen@uwe.ac.uk).
   
   
6. Investigating the efficacy of natural compounds on bacterial biofilm formation in the mouse replacement model, Galleria mellonella (PDF)
   For further information, please contact: Dr Emmanuel Adukwu (email: emmanuel.adukwu@uwe.ac.uk).

*CASE DTP Studentship

Please note:

• For projects 1 and 2, please apply directly to UWE Bristol quoting REF: 2526-OCT-CHSS01. 
• For projects 3, 4 and 5, you need to apply directly to the University of Bristol.
• For project 6, you need to apply directly to the University of Exeter.

Please see the Application process section below for further details.

For information on all the projects that are available, visit SWBio DTP projects. 

Please see the SWBio funding page for details of UKRI-BBSRC-funded studentship.

As part of your application, you will normally be required to submit:

• Two references
• Academic transcripts/degree certificate(s)
• Personal statement - please include supporting evidence for your Maths background
• English language certificates (where applicable). Language requirements need to meet University of Bristol requirements.

Please see the SWBio DTP eligibility criteria for further information.

Application process

Please read the SWBio How to apply webpage for further information.

• Projects 1 and 2 – Please apply online directly to UWE Bristol. When prompted, use the reference number 2526-OCT-CHSS01.
• Projects 3, 4 and 5 – Joint with University of Bristol; please apply directly to the University of Bristol.
• Project 6 - led by University of Exeter; please apply directly to the University of Exeter.

Please note for projects 1 and 2, when applying directly to UWE Bristol, you do not need to upload a CV as the application form will capture the relevant information. When the application asks for a research proposal, please just upload a blank document. A research proposal is not needed for this programme as you are applying directly to a project.  

For further information about the UWE Bristol application process, please see eligibility and applications or contact the Doctoral Academy. 

The closing date for applications is midnight (23:59 GMT), 11 December 2024.

This includes part-time study, deferral option; please see the SWBio website.