PhD Studentship in Chemistry at Cardiff University 2026

Applications for this fully funded project is currently open. This studentship investigates the Identification of novel antifungals, its Synthesis, structure-activity correlation, and antifungal activity of novel molecular scaffolds from repurposable drugs.

The student engaged with the project will have the opportunity to design and synthesise analogues of the most promising compounds in a state-of-the-art laboratory at Cardiff in a group that have expertise in the synthesis of a wide range of molecules. Student will then evaluate these new molecules at the Exeter MRC Centre for Medical Mycology a lead institute in mycology research the compounds synthesised. After the first cycle of synthesis/evaluation of the compounds student will be able to take the project lead and suggests potential modifications to the hit compounds to improve the drug like properties of the molecules.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirments
• Interview Process
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineOctober 20, 2025
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorCardiff University
• City to studyCardiff
• School to studyCardiff University
• Course to studyChemistry
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• Full tuition fees, as well as a Doctoral Stipend matching UK Research Council National Minimum (£20, 780 p.a. for 2025/26, updated each year). Part time study may also be available. 
• Additional research training and support funding of up to £5,000 per annum is also available.
• This means that international candidates will not be expected to cover this cost and will be fully funded but need to be aware that they will be required to cover the cost of their student visa, healthcare surcharge and other costs of moving to the UK to do a PhD.

Requirements

Academic criteria

Applicants for a studentship must have obtained, or be about to obtain, a first or upper second-class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualification gained outside the UK, in an appropriate area of medical sciences, computing, mathematics or the physical sciences.

Applicants with a lower second-class degree will only be considered if they also have a master’s degree. Academic qualifications are considered alongside significant relevant non-academic experience.

English Language

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent) 

Selection Process

If you are shortlisted for interview, you will be notified from Tuesday, 23rd December 2025. Interviews will be held virtually on 27th and 28th January 2026.

Start date - 1st October 2026

Application Deadline

How To Apply

Please apply via the website at GW4 BioMed MRC DTP - GW4 BioMed MRC DTP

Please complete an application to the GW4 BioMed2 MRC DTP for an ‘offer of funding’. If successful, you will also need to make an application for an 'offer to study' to your chosen institution.

For more details, visit Cardiff University Scholarship webpage