Don't miss our weekly PhD newsletter | Sign up now Don't miss our weekly PhD newsletter | Sign up now

We have 1,004 Biological Sciences PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

Discipline

Discipline

Biological Sciences

Location

Location

All locations

Institution

Institution

All Institutions

PhD Type

PhD Type

All PhD Types

Funding

Funding

All Funding


Biological Sciences PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

We have 1,004 Biological Sciences PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

The realm of Biological Sciences is a testament to the endless curiosity and quest for understanding that defines human engagement with the natural world. Embarking on a PhD in Biological Sciences propels students into the epicentre of cutting-edge research, unravelling the complexities of life on a molecular, cellular, and ecological level.

These advanced programmes provide the platform for deep, specialised investigation into the various facets of biology, from genomics and proteomics to ecology and evolution. Candidates are given the unique opportunity to contribute to the scientific community's understanding of life processes, diseases, and the interrelations between living organisms and their environments through innovative and impactful research.

Why complete a PhD in Biological Sciences?

A PhD in Biological Sciences is synonymous with the pursuit of pioneering discoveries that have the potential to significantly advance our understanding of the natural world and address some of the most pressing challenges facing humanity, including climate change, disease control, and biodiversity loss.

Doctoral research in this field is characterised by its depth, rigor, and innovation, allowing students to delve into uncharted territories of the biological sciences. Through this exploration, PhD students not only push the boundaries of scientific knowledge but also develop a suite of technical and analytical skills that are highly valued across multiple sectors. Their work contributes to the development of new technologies, therapies, and conservation strategies, reflecting the critical role of biological research in improving human health, preserving ecosystems, and ensuring sustainable development.

In terms of employment, a PhD in Biological Sciences opens up a wide range of career opportunities both within and outside academia. Graduates are well-equipped for roles in research and development within the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, as well as positions in conservation, environmental management, and policy-making.

The ability to conduct independent research, analyse complex data sets, and communicate scientific findings effectively prepares PhD holders for leadership roles in these fields. Those passionate about academia have the opportunity to contribute to the education and mentorship of future generations of scientists, fostering a culture of inquiry and innovation.

read more
More details

EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Net Zero Aviation

The EPSRC CDT in Net Zero Aviation is the world's 1st Doctoral Centre of Excellence for Net Zero Aviation Training, Education and Research. Read more
 Funded PhD Programme (UK Students Only)  EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training
More details

Integration of inline coagulation and novel ceramic membranes for drinking water production - MSc by Research

This fully funded MSc by Research, with a stipend of £22,000 pa, is sponsored by Microtech Ceramic Ltd. The research offers an exciting opportunity to develop a new integrated system combining in-line coagulation and novel ceramic membranes produced by the sponsoring company. Read more
 Supervisors: Dr M Pidou, Prof E McAdam
 26 August 2026  PhD Research Project  Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)
More details

Understanding health conditions linked to psoriatic disease across diverse populations

  Research Group: Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences
Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are systemic inflammatory diseases that affect more than the skin and joints. Read more
 Supervisors: Dr SZ Zhao, Dr Z Yiu, Dr J Bowes
 18 August 2026  PhD Research Project  Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
More details

Identifying Causal Genes in Respiratory Disease Using Drosophila melanogaster

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma collectively affect more than 800 million people worldwide and represent a leading cause of global mortality and morbidity. Read more
 Supervisors: Dr M Georgiou, Prof I Sayers
 14 August 2026  PhD Research Project  Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)
More details

Identifying critical pathways regulating autoimmunity in immuno-oncology and arthritis patients

  Research Group: Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences
Background. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) such as BLOCKING antibodies targeting CTLA4 (e.g. ipilimumab) have revolutionised the treatment of metastatic cancers by offering long-term remission, by boosting the immune response. Read more
 Supervisors: Dr S Viatte, Dr P Martin, Dr MC Christofi
 Year round applications  PhD Research Project  Self-Funded PhD Students Only
More details

Start Strong: Understanding How Early-Life Interactions Between the Gut Microbiome, Immune Function, and Helminth Infection Influence Long-Term Health and Performance in Thoroughbred Foals

Why do some foals thrive while others experience higher parasite burdens, poorer health, or reduced athletic performance? Increasing evidence suggests that the answer may lie in the complex interactions between the gut microbiome, the immune system, and parasite exposure during the earliest stages of life. Read more
 Supervisor: Dr LE Peachey
 15 September 2026  PhD Research Project  Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)
More details

Targeting Cancer Metabolism in Liver Cancer

Project Description. The project focuses on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of liver cancer, where effective treatments remain limited for many patients. Read more
 Supervisors: Dr VHV Villar, Prof D Harrison
 16 August 2026  PhD Research Project  Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
More details

IC-3-7 Rewiring Mammalian Cells Metabolism to Enable Sustainable On-Demand Biomanufacturing

This PhD is one of a number of projects hosted by the Centre for Doctoral Training in Green Industrial Futures (CDT-GIF). We are offering pioneering research projects that will enable PhD researchers to explore key technologies and solutions that will support UK industry to reach net zero. Read more
 Supervisors: Prof P Fennell, Dr F Ceroni, Prof R Ledesma-Amaro, Prof C Kontoravdi
 Year round applications  PhD Research Project  Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)
More details
Last chance to apply

Evaluating the UK Vaccine Programme Holistically

This PhD project is embedded in the NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Vaccines & Immunisation, a collaboration between the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), University College London (UCL) and the University of Cambridge. Read more
 Supervisor: Dr C Trotter
 21 July 2026  PhD Research Project  Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)
More details

Personalised approach to antifungal treatment in chronic fungal lung disease

  Research Group: Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomic Sciences
Chronic and allergic pulmonary aspergillosis syndromes complicate asthma, COPD and bronchiectasis, leading to symptoms, admissions and mortality. Read more
 Supervisors: Dr CK Kosmidis, Dr YTH Huang, Dr W Ahmed
 Year round applications  PhD Research Project  Self-Funded PhD Students Only
More details

Predicting the recovery of threatened migratory fishes using ecological individual-based models

Supervisory team. Dr. Victoria Dominguez Almela. Project Details. Discover how cutting-edge ecological modelling can help restore Europe's threatened migratory fish. Read more
 Supervisor: Dr V Dominguez Almela
 14 August 2026  PhD Research Project  Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)
More details

A social-ecological study of deer, recreation and landscape management in southern England National Parks

Supervisory team. Dr Becks Spake; Dr Cally Ham; Dr Cat McNicol; Dr Rebecca Collins. This PhD investigates how deer management, recreation, and conservation interact in multi-use landscapes such as the New Forest and South Downs National Parks. Read more
 Supervisor: Dr B Spake
 23 August 2026  PhD Research Project  Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)
More details

Upcoming Doctoral (PhD) Positions at International Max Planck Research School - Biological Intelligence

The International Max Planck Research School – Biological Intelligence (IMPRS-BI) offers fully funded doctoral student positions in the fields of behavior, ecology, neuroscience, connectomics and evolutionary genetics. Read more
 Funded PhD Programme (Students Worldwide)  Germany PhD Programme  Max Planck Research Programme
More details

Understanding growth strain

Eucalypts are a fast-growing plantation tree species. However, utilisation of plantation grown eucalypts is often restricted to low value pulp chips as solid wood processing is challenging due to growth stresses. Read more
 Supervisor: Dr C Altaner
 Year round applications  PhD Research Project  Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
More details

High-resolution wastewater surveillance of targeted pathogenic strains of Enterobacteriacae and their plasmids on local scales.

Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has proven utility for tracking the emergence and spread of pathogenic microbial species. Metagenomics is commonly used to profile whole microbial communities, as well as individual antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs). Read more
 Supervisors: Prof E J Feil, Prof B Kasprzyk-Hordern, Ms C Timmins, Dr R Hope
 13 August 2026  PhD Research Project  Competition Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)

Filtering Results