How to apply

Up to 13 fully funded 4-year PhD studentships in the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Accelerated Medicine Design & Development 

Our Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) provides doctoral level education in a multidisciplinary environment uniting university, industry researchers and clinical partners.  We train student cohorts using advanced experimental and computational methods to optimise and predict medicines design, development, translation and performance.

The Centre provides world-leading doctoral training to future leaders from all backgrounds in pharmaceuticals and medical technology.   Students engage in innovation and entrepreneurship activities, conferences, team working, problem solving, and outreach, with industry and clinical involvement. Our curriculum foregrounds personal researcher development through provision of transferable skills and incorporation of equity principles within training and research. It includes training projects in academic and industry sites and “miniMD” placement at clinical partner sites.

Please note that applications are to join the CDT, rather than for a specific PhD research project. The PhD project topics for 2025 students will be generated during an event within the first six months of the programme, in early 2026. This will be a collaborative process involving students, academics, and our industry and clinical partners.

Why study with us?  

• Fully funded PhD studentships at leading UK universities 

• Incorporation of equity principles in all activities, including recruitment, training, supervision and mentoring

• Diverse PhD projects across various disciplines 

• Network with alumni in industry and academia 

• Open innovation environment with academia and industry partners

What do we offer? 

• Up to 5 fully funded studentships at the University of Nottingham (UoN)

• Up to 8 fully funded studentships at University College London (UCL)

• All starting in October 2025

• Competitive tax-free stipends: £19,975 (plus £3,000 London weighting for UCL).

• Generous funding support for research expenses, training, and travel.

• Bespoke student mentoring

• Provision of safe spaces with a focus on the needs of Black and other minoritised backgrounds.

• Opportunities for industry experience and networking 

• Full and part-time positions

• Additional financial support for students with disabilities, and paid parental leave

Entry and funding requirements 

Candidates should have, or expect to obtain, a first or upper-second class degree (master, bachelor or international equivalent) in pharmacy, chemistry, engineering, physics, biology, mathematics or related sciences.  

We particularly encourage applications from candidates with Black and other minoritised backgrounds.  If they meet the eligibility criteria and qualify for UK fee status, these applicants are guaranteed an interview. To be eligible for the guaranteed interview scheme, applicants must answer 'yes' to the question 'Are you from a Black or other minoritised background?' on the application form. This scheme is only for UK/Home students.

International applicants are welcome.  Subject to availability, funding for international scholars to receive the same benefits as UK residents can be provided for a limited number of positions. For fee status, consult the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA).

How to apply 

To apply, please complete the online application form.

For more information, please contact:  

Ms Sarah Marks (sop.amdd-cdt@ucl.ac.uk) University College London

Mr Graham Harrison (pa-amdd-cdt@nottingham.ac.uk) University of Nottingham

Application deadline:  23:59 GMT, Monday 10th February 2025

Applications received by this date will be considered for shortlisting. Later applications will be accepted until positions are filled.

Shortlisted UK-based applicants from Black and other minoritised backgrounds will be offered the opportunity to visit the institution they applied to, with UK travel expenses covered.

Timeline for 2025 entry