Two Fully Funded PhD Positions in Metalloantibiotics!
We are recruiting two PhD students to start in September 2027! Both projects use automation and machine learning to discover new metal-based antibiotics. Funding is open to students worldwide. The two positions have different application routes and deadlines, so please read carefully.
| P10 – CSHP CDT | Departmental | |
|---|---|---|
| Deadline | 13 November 2026 (first round) | 4 January 2027 |
| Programme | 4-year EPSRC CDT, jointly with Oxford | 3 or 3.5 years, depending on the funder |
| Focus | Sustainable automated synthesis and target-based screening, with the INEOS Oxford Institute | New ligand and metal chemistry, mode of action and machine learning |
| How to apply | PhD in Chemistry application, listing your 1-2-3 project choices at the end of your personal statement | Standard PhD in Chemistry application |
1. P10) Machine Learning Guided Sustainable Automated Synthesis and Target-based Screening of Metal-based Antibiotics
First application deadline: 13th November 2026
The student will use miniaturised, automated high-throughput synthesis at the University of York to prepare diverse libraries of metal complexes. The libraries will be screened against bacterial target proteins at the INEOS Oxford Institute (IOI), and the resulting data will feed into a human-in-the-loop machine learning workflow.
- Part of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Chemical Synthesis for a Healthy Planet (CSHP CDT). This is a fully funded four-year PhD programme, delivered jointly by the Universities of Oxford and York.
- Starts with a 4-month cohort training period at both Oxford and York.
- 100% fees, a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £21,805, and a research training support grant of £20,000.
- Up to 30% of EPSRC CDT studentships may be awarded to exceptional international students.
- We will continue to receive applications after this deadline, but some projects may be filled after the first round. Apply early!
How to apply: Submit an online PhD in Chemistry application with a 1000-word personal statement. At the end of your personal statement, clearly state your 1-2-3 choice of projects (this is project P10). See the CSHP CDT how to apply page for full details.
Full advert and application details
2. Design, Make, Test, Learn: Automated Discovery of Metalloantibiotics
Application deadline: midnight on Monday 4 January 2027
This project will explore novel ligand and metal chemistry for the modular and automated synthesis of new libraries of metal complexes. You will screen compounds for antibacterial activity, optimise hits through structure–activity relationships and investigate their antibacterial mechanisms. Depending on your interests and skills, you can also use machine learning to help predict new antibacterial compounds.
- Departmental studentship, funded by the Department of Chemistry, the EPSRC or the Chemistry Wild Fund.
- Tuition fees, a tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate (£21,805 for 2026/27), and funding for consumables, training and analytical facilities.
- The project will suit applicants with a background in synthetic chemistry and a keen interest in learning the microbiological aspects of the project.
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a panel interview between 8–10 February 2027.
How to apply: Submit an online PhD in Chemistry application
Full advert and application details
For questions about either project, please contact Angelo directly (angelo.frei@york.ac.uk).
