[Fully funded for UK, EU, and International applicants; covers full University fees, research training budget, and a tax-free stipend of £20,780 for 2025/26 (standard UKRI rate).]

PhD Opportunity: Bottom-up Decoding of Protein Conformational Landscapes: from Gas-phase to Solution

The University of Warwick’s Centre for Doctoral Training in the Modelling of Heterogeneous Materials (HetSys) is offering a fully funded PhD position focused on the dynamic and complex process of protein folding. This project, supervised by Professor Scott Habershon, aims to advance our understanding of how proteins traverse their free energy landscapes, connecting unfolded and folded states—a key to unraveling mechanisms behind misfolding diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

Students will develop and apply efficient graph-driven folding simulations, integrating these with mass spectrometry experimental data to create a multi-stranded methodology for mapping protein folding in environments ranging from the gas-phase to microsolvation. The research is highly interdisciplinary, combining physics, chemistry, biology, computer science, and applied mathematics, and is embedded within the innovative HetSys doctoral training programme.

HetSys provides a collaborative and supportive environment, bringing together leading researchers and industry partners. Students receive interdisciplinary training, gaining expertise in computational modelling, simulation, and data science, preparing them for impactful careers in academia, research, and technology. The programme is designed to tackle real-world challenges, from biomedical systems to advanced materials and sustainable energy.

Funding: The position is fully funded for UK, EU, and International applicants, covering full University fees, a research training budget, and a tax-free stipend of £20,780 for the 2025/26 academic year (standard UKRI rate).

Eligibility: Applicants should hold or expect to obtain a first or upper second class undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in physics, chemistry, mathematics, engineering, computer science, or a related discipline. A strong interest in computational modelling, simulation, and interdisciplinary research is preferred. International applicants must meet the University of Warwick’s English language requirements.

Application Process: Applications are open until 28 January 2026. Interested candidates should apply online via the HetSys Centre for Doctoral Training application portal, preparing academic transcripts, CV, and a personal statement. For further guidance, contact the HetSys admissions team.

This is an excellent opportunity for students passionate about using advanced modelling and simulation to solve complex, real-world problems in protein science and beyond. Join a vibrant research community at Warwick and push the boundaries of interdisciplinary science.