University of Bristol
Top university
Just Landed
Posted Yesterday
Funded PhD in beta-lactam antibiotic targets for melioidosis treatment University of Bristol in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Biochemistry
Funding
Funded PhD studentship through the GW4 BioMed3 MRC Doctoral Landscape Programme. Funding includes UK tuition fees and a Doctoral Stipend matching the UK Research Council National Minimum (£21,805 p.a. for 2026/27, updated annually), plus additional research training and support funding of up to £5,000 per annum.
Deadline
Oct 21, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of Bristol

How do I apply for this?
Sign in for free to reveal details, requirements, and source links.
Apply for this position
Keywords
Suggested positions
About this position
Funded PhD project at the University of Bristol in the School of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences on beta-lactam antibiotic targets for improving melioidosis treatment.
The project focuses on the soil-borne pathogen Burkholderia pseudomallei, a major cause of melioidosis, and aims to understand how clinically important beta-lactams interact with bacterial cell-wall enzymes such as penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) and L,D transpeptidases (LDTs). The work combines recombinant protein expression, biochemical inhibition assays, biophysical screening, structural biology, and computational modelling.
Research methods may include chromogenic and fluorogenic beta-lactam reporters, differential scanning fluorimetry (DSF), circular dichroism (CD), X-ray crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy, and molecular simulations. The project also explores combinations of beta-lactams and their activity against B. thailandensis and, via Thai collaborators, B. pseudomallei strains.
Supervisory team listed on the post includes Dr J Spencer, Prof A J Mulholland, and co-supervisor Prof. N. Chantratita (Mahidol University, Bangkok).
This is a funded PhD studentship under the GW4 BioMed3 MRC Doctoral Landscape Programme. Funding covers UK tuition fees and a doctoral stipend matching the UK Research Council National Minimum (£21,805 p.a. for 2026/27), plus up to £5,000 per year for additional research training and support.
Eligibility details in the post are broad; the project is open to students worldwide. The application deadline is 21 October 2026 at 5:00pm. Shortlisted candidates are notified from 22 December 2026, interviews are held virtually on 26–27 January 2027, and the studentship starts on 1 October 2027.
Funding details
Funded PhD studentship through the GW4 BioMed3 MRC Doctoral Landscape Programme. Funding includes UK tuition fees and a Doctoral Stipend matching the UK Research Council National Minimum (£21,805 p.a. for 2026/27, updated annually), plus additional research training and support funding of up to £5,000 per annum.
What's required
Applicants should be interested in biochemistry, molecular biology, structural biology, computational approaches, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. The project is suitable for students who want to work on beta-lactam antibiotics, bacterial cell-wall enzymes, and melioidosis; no specific degree class, GPA, or language-test waiver is stated in the post.
How to apply
Check the GW4 BioMed website for the list of projects and the online application form. You may select up to two projects and must submit one application per candidate. Apply for an 'offer of funding' by 5:00pm on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, then complete an 'offer to study' application later if successful.
More information can be found here
Ask ApplyKite AI

How do I apply for this?
Sign in for free to reveal details, requirements, and source links.