UKRI/BBSRC Artificial Intelligence for Drug Discovery Doctoral Training Programme (UKRI-AIDD)

Background

Discovery of new pharmaceutical drugs is a key front in the battle against the adverse effects of ageing, towards healthier longer lives. In recent years artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionised the drug discovery process, promising the development of safer, more effective treatments in shorter timescales.

UKRI-AIDD is an innovative doctoral training programme delivered by leading drug discovery companies (Exscientia, Sosei Heptares and MSD) in collaboration with Queen Mary University of London (QMUL). Together, with support from UKRI-BBSRC, we are training a next generation of interdisciplinary researchers working closely with industry at the intersection of artificial intelligence and bioscience.

Projects available

For 2024-25, up to 8 fully funded 4-year PhD projects are available, covering a range of areas including biological applications of text mining, machine learning, multi-omics, computational chemistry, bioinformatics, molecular modelling, and computer vision. See our webpage for more details on our projects.

Awards offer a fully funded studentship including UKRI stipend (currently £20,622), tuition fees, and a consumable budget.

Joining this PhD programme offers access to enhanced training opportunities, and the ability to engage with industry partners, including the option to spend 3 months on a placement within a company, and extensive networking opportunities and access to our high-performance computing facilities

Eligibility

We are looking for highly motivated individuals who are passionate about contributing to new discoveries in drug discovery bioscience through the application of the latest techniques in AI and data science. Ideal candidates will have a grounding in both a natural science and data science, e.g. through a Master's degree or work experience in a subject such as bioinformatics or computational chemistry, and you will be confident in performing data wrangling and analysis in a language such as Python, R or C++.

We particularly encourage students from groups that are currently underrepresented in postgraduate science research, including black and minority ethnic students and those from a socio-economically disadvantaged background.

Part-time study is an option for some projects. Please specify this as part of your application if relevant.

How to Apply

Applications to the AI for Drug Discovery Programme are made through the Queen Mary Application Portal. Please see our website to apply.

The Programme has two deadlines, and we encourage you to apply as soon as your application is ready.

• Round 1: January 28th 2024: Applications must be received by 11.59pm (GMT) on January 28th 2024 in order to be considered for Round 1.
• Round 2: April 1st 2024: Applications must be received by 11.59 (GMT) on April 1st, 2024 in order to be considered for Round 2.

After the deadline for each Round, anonymised application forms are shortlisted by a panel consisting of members of the AI for Drug Discovery Programme.

Interviews for shortlisted candidates will be held in February for Round 1, and April for Round 2.