PhD Studentship in Chemical Biology and Antimicrobial Resistance at University College London University College London in United Kingdom

The EPSRC & BBSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Engineering Solutions to Antimicrobial Resistance at University College London is offering a PhD studentship for October 2026. This opportunity is ideal for candidates passionate about chemical biology and interested in combating tuberculosis and other mycobacterial diseases. The project involves synthesising cyclic antimicrobial peptides to treat drug-resistant mycobacterial infections, characterising their mechanisms of action using cross-linking mass spectrometry, and assessing their effects on mycobacterial membrane integrity and cell wall metabolism. The research is multidisciplinary, combining expertise from chemical biology, medical science, and biomedical engineering, and is a collaboration between Professor Alethea Tabor's group at UCL, Sanjib Bhakta at Birkbeck's Mycobacteria Research Laboratory, and Konstantinos Thalassinos at the Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology (UCL/Birkbeck).

Applicants should hold a first or upper second-class honours degree or a Master’s degree in a relevant subject such as physics, chemistry, engineering, biology, mathematics, or related sciences. Research experience, motivation, independence, maturity, initiative, and resilience are key selection criteria. The application process is transparent and prioritises research excellence, programme fit, and diversity. Two references are required, and shortlisted candidates will be invited to interviews, which include a research presentation and a summary of a provided research article.

The studentship is funded by the EPSRC & BBSRC CDT, typically covering tuition fees and providing a stipend. Funding details and further information are available at the CDT admissions website and through optional online open events. The closing date for applications is 12th January 2026. Prospective applicants are encouraged to review the application form, attend open events, and prepare all required documents and references. This PhD position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in antimicrobial resistance, chemical biology, and drug development at a leading UK institution.