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Fully Funded PhD in New Tools for Bioconjugation Using Novel Rearrangement Reactions University of York in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Chemistry
Funding
Fully funded four-year PhD studentship under the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Chemical Synthesis for a Healthy Planet. Funding includes 100% home fees, a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £21,805 (2026/27 UKRI rate), and a £20,000 research training support grant. Up to 30% of studentships may be awarded to exceptional international students; funding does not include visa costs or NHS surcharge for visa holders.
Deadline
Nov 13, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of York

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About this position
P22) New tools for bioconjugation using novel rearrangement reactions is a fully funded PhD project at the University of York, delivered through the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Chemical Synthesis for a Healthy Planet (CSHP CDT) in partnership with the University of Oxford.
The project sits at the interface of organic chemistry, synthetic chemistry, chemical biology, biotechnology, and applications in antibiotics and bacterial PROTACs. The research will develop new sustainable tools for protein bioconjugation using novel rearrangement reactions, building on CARE (Conjugate Addition/Ring Expansion) chemistry to selectively and irreversibly modify native proteins under mild aqueous conditions.
Supervision is by Prof Will Unsworth, Dr Chris Spicer, and Prof Martin Fascione at York, with additional supervisory input from Prof Chris Schofield and Dr Alistair Farley at Oxford. The project aims to design new probes that undergo conjugate addition with amines followed by in situ rearrangement, enabling late-stage installation of dual-functional probes for studying and targeting pathogenic bacteria.
Funding is provided for four years and includes 100% home fees, a tax-free annual living allowance of £21,805 (2026/27 UKRI rate), and a £20,000 research training support grant. Candidates of any nationality may apply, although only a limited number of EPSRC studentships are available and up to 30% may go to exceptional international students. Visa costs and the NHS surcharge are not covered.
Eligibility normally requires, or expects, a minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a relevant subject, usually chemistry or chemical engineering. Applicants should also demonstrate enthusiasm for research, independent thinking, strong analytical ability, and excellent written and verbal communication skills. English language requirements and country-specific entry requirements apply.
To apply, submit an online PhD in Chemistry application with a 1000-word personal statement, your ranked 1-2-3 project choices, transcripts, two references, and the CSHP CDT EDI data form (for York applicants). The first deadline is 13 November 2026 at 12 noon, and early application is encouraged because projects may be filled after the first round.
Funding details
Fully funded four-year PhD studentship under the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Chemical Synthesis for a Healthy Planet. Funding includes 100% home fees, a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £21,805 (2026/27 UKRI rate), and a £20,000 research training support grant. Up to 30% of studentships may be awarded to exceptional international students; funding does not include visa costs or NHS surcharge for visa holders.
What's required
Applicants must have, or expect to gain, at least a 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a relevant subject, usually chemistry or chemical engineering. Enthusiasm for research, the ability to think and work independently, excellent analytical skills, and strong verbal and written communication skills are essential. English language requirements apply, and applicants should check country-specific entry requirements.
How to apply
Submit an online PhD in Chemistry application. Include a 1000-word personal statement, your 1-2-3 choice of substantive research projects, transcripts, two academic/professional references, and the CSHP CDT EDI data form for York applicants. Apply early because projects may fill after the first deadline.
More information can be found here
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