We are looking for enthusiastic and motivated students to train for careers in tomorrow’s life science industries.

Warwick Life Sciences offers a unique high quality interdisciplinary PhD training environment with the fusion of research excellence from across the Faculty of Science, covering a spectrum of topics in Life Sciences research ranging from whole-organism animal and plant research to single-molecule structural biology. Interdisciplinary research is an increasingly prominent theme, with numerous groups engaged in collaborative studies on small- and large-scale biological problems.

Three types of PhD entry are available:

• Route 1. 4 year PhD incorporating an initial 9-month practical training course.  Applicants will have identified their preferred PhD project and supervisor. 
• Route 2. 4 year PhD incorporating the same 9 month practical training course, but applicants can choose a PhD project and supervisor at the end of the training course.
• Route 3. 3 year PhD for those already holding an MSc or equivalent professional qualification or experience. Applicants will have chosen their PhD project and supervisor.

A list of potential projects is available on the Warwick Life Sciences website.

The departments and centres carrying out Life Science research at Warwick include: Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Maths, Physics, Statistics, Warwick HRI and Warwick Medical School.

Biological Sciences is one of the top few Biology departments in the UK with world-class research facilities and a formidable reputation for innovative science.  It houses groups engaged in a vast range of research areas including cell biology, microbiology, virology, structural biology, ecology and epidemiology, developmental genetics and neurobiology.

Chemistry has top groups in chemical biology (bioorganic chemistry, bioinorganic chemistry, biophysical chemistry, structural biology, enzymology, natural products chemistry and biology) and molecular microbiology.

Warwick HRI is a leading plant and environmental science research centre with superb facilities and intensive, well-developed research programmes in Plant Science, Crop and Environmental Sciences and Applied Microbial Sciences. 

Training

Students will receive training modules in Life Science research skills, Instrumentation, Mathematics for Biologists and Society’s appreciation of science  followed by modules in a range transferable skills for scientists, some core and some optional.  Core skills include networking skills and team management, options include project management and public engagement skills.

Open Days

Open Days will be held on 16 December 2009 and on 24 March 2010.  The open days will illustrate the remarkable range of PhD projects and Masters courses on offer in Life Sciences areas within the University of Warwick.  The open day will include lunch, introductory talks, tours and interviews.  Formal interviews are mandatory for applicants to the BBSRC Life Sciences DTG; other visitors may meet potential supervisors informally.  Register to attend an Open Day on the Warwick Life Sciences website.

Benefits for students

• Access to world class facilities
• Excellent support structure
• Access to a cosmopolitan campus
• Annual stipend of at least £13,290
• Students will receive both specific, project-led skills training and career-broadening generic skills training.