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University of York

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PhD in Sustainable Diversification of Therapeutic Peptides via Amino-Carbonylation University of York in United Kingdom

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Chemistry

Funding

Fully funded four-year EPSRC CDT PhD studentship. 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. Candidates of any nationality may apply, and up to 30% of studentships may go to exceptional international students. Funding does not include visa costs or the NHS surcharge for visa holders.

Deadline

Nov 13, 2026

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Country

United Kingdom

University

University of York

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Keywords

Chemistry
Biomedical Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Organic Chemistry
Biology
Peptide Chemistry
Chemical Synthesis
Chemical Biology

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About this position

P21) Sustainable diversification of therapeutic peptides via amino-carbonylation 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) with joint training across York and Oxford.

The project focuses on peptide chemistry, organic chemistry, synthetic chemistry, and chemical biology. The research will develop new strategies to chemically modify peptides via late-stage, transition metal-catalysed reactions, with an emphasis on sustainable diversification of therapeutic sequences. The project aims to enable side-chain modification and peptide stapling, supporting modern drug discovery and the generation of peptide libraries while reducing hazardous solvent use.

The work is linked to an industrial partner, Johnson & Johnson, and is supervised by Dr Christopher Spicer, Prof Ian Fairlamb, and Prof. Molly Stevens. The project is primarily based at the University of York, within the Department of Chemistry, and is part of a broader CDT structure that includes taught courses, a 4-month training period, and a substantive research project.

Funding is fully provided under the EPSRC CDT: 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. Candidates of any nationality may apply, and a limited number of exceptional international students may be funded. Visa costs and the NHS surcharge are not covered.

Eligibility requires a minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a relevant subject, usually chemistry or chemical engineering. The advert also highlights the need for enthusiasm for research, independent working, strong analytical ability, and good written and verbal communication skills. English language requirements apply.

How to apply: submit an online PhD in Chemistry application, include a 1000-word personal statement, rank your 1-2-3 project choices, upload transcripts, provide details for two referees, and complete the EDI data form if you are a York applicant. The first deadline is 13 November 2026 at 12 noon, and early application is encouraged because projects may fill after the first round.

Funding details

Fully funded four-year EPSRC CDT PhD studentship. 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. Candidates of any nationality may apply, and up to 30% of studentships may go to exceptional international students. Funding does not include visa costs or the 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. A strong background in synthetic chemistry or chemical biology is preferred, along with enthusiasm for research, the ability to work independently, excellent analytical skills, and strong verbal and written communication skills. English language requirements apply.

How to apply

Submit an online PhD in Chemistry application. Include a 1000-word personal statement, your 1-2-3 ranked project choices, transcripts, two academic/professional referees, and the CSHP CDT EDI data form if applying to York. Apply early because projects may fill after the first deadline.

More information can be found here

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