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University of Bath

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PhD in Designing Cell-Accumulating Covalent Inhibitors to Combat Gram-Negative Antimicrobial Resistance University of Bath in United Kingdom

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Biochemistry

Funding

A 4-year GW4 BioMed3 MRC DLP studentship covering tuition fees, a stipend of £21,805 per annum for 2026/27 (updated annually), and research training/support funding of up to £5,000 per annum depending on project requirements. Open to Home and International students, though international awards are limited to 30% and do not cover visa, healthcare surcharge, or moving costs.

Deadline

Oct 21, 2026

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Country

United Kingdom

University

University of Bath

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Keywords

Biochemistry
Chemistry
Microbiology
Organic Chemistry
Biology
Antibiotic Resistance
Chemical Biology
Medical Science
Pharmacy
Pharmaceutical Chemistry

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About this position

PhD opportunity at the University of Bath in the GW4 BioMed3 MRC Doctoral Landscape Programme (DLP): Designing Cell-Accumulating Covalent Inhibitors to Combat Gram-Negative Antimicrobial Resistance.

This project sits at the interface of medicinal chemistry, microbiology, chemical biology, biochemistry, and pharmaceutical chemistry. The research aims to understand how to design covalent inhibitors that can accumulate inside Gram-negative bacteria, overcome permeability and efflux barriers, and productively engage an intracellular target.

The model target is MurA, an essential cell-wall biosynthesis enzyme in E. coli. The project will develop an acrylamide-containing library based on rigid amino-acid scaffolds and diverse amines, then test how scaffold topology, stereochemistry, and amine presentation affect bacterial accumulation and target engagement. Biochemical validation will include enzyme assays, time-dependent inhibition, intact-protein mass spectrometry, and mutant analysis. Whole-cell studies will use genetically defined E. coli strains, MIC assays, and competitive activity-based protein profiling / chemoproteomics.

The studentship is part of a competitive funding call from the GW4 BioMed3 MRC DLP, which offers up to 17 studentships for entry in September 2027. The project is based at the University of Bath, with supervisory input from Dr Scott Lovell (Bath) and Dr Maisem Laabei (University of Bristol).

Funding: 4-year studentship covering tuition fees, a stipend of £21,805 per year for 2026/27, and up to £5,000 per year for research training/support. Open to Home and International students, with international awards capped at 30% and visa/health surcharge costs not covered.

Eligibility: first or upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in medical sciences, computing, mathematics, or the physical sciences; lower second-class applicants need a Merit or above at master’s level. Non-UK applicants must meet Bath’s English language requirements.

Deadline: applications close at 17:00 GMT on 21 October 2026.

Funding details

A 4-year GW4 BioMed3 MRC DLP studentship covering tuition fees, a stipend of £21,805 per annum for 2026/27 (updated annually), and research training/support funding of up to £5,000 per annum depending on project requirements. Open to Home and International students, though international awards are limited to 30% and do not cover visa, healthcare surcharge, or moving costs.

What's required

Applicants must have, or be about to obtain, a first or upper second-class UK honours degree or equivalent in medical sciences, computing, mathematics, or the physical sciences. Applicants with a lower second-class degree may be considered if they have a Merit or above in a master's degree. Significant relevant non-academic experience may also be considered. Non-UK applicants must meet the University of Bath English language entry requirements.

How to apply

Submit formal applications directly to the GW4 BioMed3 DLP using its online application form. You may apply for up to two projects and only one application per candidate. Do not apply to the University of Bath at this stage; only successful funding candidates will later apply for study at Bath.

More information can be found here

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