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Leverhulme Centre for Life in the Universe PhD Studentship

Fully Funded PhD Studentship in Life in the Universe, Prebiotic Chemistry, and Astrobiology at the University of Cambridge University of Cambridge in United Kingdom

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Chemistry

Funding

Fully funded four-year PhD studentship for home (UK) students. Covers fees and stipend at the UKRI rate, plus an LCLU uplift of £1,000 per year and research cost support.

Deadline

Dec 8, 2026

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United Kingdom

University

University of Cambridge

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Keywords

Chemistry
Biology
Mathematics
Philosophy
Astronomy
Earth Science
Astrobiology
Philosophy Of Science
Prebiotic Chemistry
Origin Of Life
Physics

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About this position

Applications are invited for a fully funded four-year PhD studentship at the University of Cambridge within the Leverhulme Centre for Life in the Universe (LCLU). The project sits at the intersection of chemistry, astronomy, physics, biology, Earth science, mathematics, and philosophy, with a strong focus on the origins, nature, and distribution of life in the Universe.

Successful candidates will be based in one of the Centre’s participating departments, which include the Cavendish Laboratory, Institute of Astronomy, Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry, Department of Earth Sciences, Department of Zoology, Department of History and Philosophy of Science, Faculty of Divinity, and the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology.

Research themes include prebiotic chemistry, chemical pathways to life, habitable environments on Earth and beyond, observational and analytical methods for studying exoplanets and planetary evolution, and interdisciplinary philosophical/mathematical approaches to understanding life.

This studentship is only available to home (UK) students who meet at least one of the stated eligibility criteria for widening participation. Funding covers fees and stipend at the UKRI rate, plus an LCLU uplift of £1,000 per year and research cost support.

Applicants are encouraged to contact prospective supervisors before applying and may propose their own research topic aligned with the Centre’s mission. Applications must be submitted via the University of Cambridge postgraduate admissions portal, with the funding section noting eligibility for LCLU funding. The final deadline is 8 December 2026 at 12:00 pm GMT, though some departments may have earlier internal deadlines.

Funding details

Fully funded four-year PhD studentship for home (UK) students. Covers fees and stipend at the UKRI rate, plus an LCLU uplift of £1,000 per year and research cost support.

What's required

Applicants must be eligible for home (UK) student status and must fulfil at least one of the stated widening participation eligibility criteria. Applicants should contact prospective supervisors before applying and may propose their own research topic aligned with the Centre's mission. The application materials depend on the department of the primary PhD supervisor.

How to apply

Apply through the University of Cambridge postgraduate admissions portal and indicate in the funding section that you are eligible for LCLU funding. Check the relevant department deadline with the supervisor, and ensure the application is submitted by 8 December 2026 at 12:00 pm GMT.

More information can be found here

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