Swansea University is offering a fully funded PhD scholarship for 2026 under the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) in collaboration with the Faculty of Science and Engineering. This prestigious research opportunity focuses on an interdisciplinary project exploring advanced antimicrobial solutions through innovative chemical and biomaterial design.
The scholarship is ideal for candidates with a strong background in chemistry or related fields who are interested in contributing to cutting-edge research addressing bacterial infections and surface adhesion challenges. Successful applicants will benefit from expert supervision, advanced research facilities, and comprehensive financial support throughout their doctoral studies.
Details
The PhD project, titled “Patchy Sweet Bullets Against Bacteria,” lies at the intersection of polymer chemistry, glyco chemistry, biomaterials, and antimicrobial research. It aims to address the persistent issue of bacterial adhesion to surfaces, which plays a critical role in infection development, even among bacteria that do not possess traditional adhesive mechanisms.
The research focuses on designing and developing heterogeneous glycosystems with selective targeting capabilities. These systems are intended to interact with different bacterial populations and prevent adhesion, thereby reducing infection risks.
The project includes several key research components:
• Development of patchy glycosystems using advanced polymer and glycochemistry techniques
• Characterization of materials using sophisticated analytical tools such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM)
• Evaluation of antimicrobial effectiveness against a range of bacterial strains in laboratory settings
The research will be conducted within Swansea University’s advanced laboratories, including facilities at the Institute of Life Sciences.
Benefits
The Swansea University PhD Scholarship provides full financial support for the duration of the doctoral programme.
Key benefits include:
• Full tuition fee coverage at the applicable UK rate
• Annual stipend of £19,237 to support living expenses
• Additional funding to cover research-related costs and materials
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratories and research infrastructure
• Supervision by an interdisciplinary team of experts in chemistry, microbiology, and natural products
This funding package allows students to focus entirely on their research while gaining valuable experience in a high-impact scientific field.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following academic and eligibility requirements:
• Must hold a bachelor’s degree with at least an Upper Second Class (2:1) honours in chemistry or a closely related discipline, or an equivalent international qualification
• Alternatively, must hold a master’s degree with a minimum grade of Merit in a relevant subject
• Must demonstrate a strong academic background relevant to the research area
• Must meet English language proficiency requirements where applicable
• Must be eligible to pay tuition fees at the UK rate in accordance with UKCISA regulations
Applicants should have a clear interest in interdisciplinary research combining chemistry, biomaterials, and microbiology.
Required Documents
Applicants are generally required to prepare and submit the following documents:
• Completed PhD application form
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Proof of English language proficiency (if required)
• Personal statement or research interest statement
Additional documents may be requested depending on the university’s application requirements.
Application Process / How to Apply
Interested candidates must apply through Swansea University’s postgraduate research application system. Applicants should ensure they meet all eligibility criteria before submitting their application.
The application process involves completing the online application form and uploading all required documents, including academic records and supporting materials. Candidates may also be required to demonstrate their interest and suitability for the specific research project.
Applications are reviewed based on academic merit, research potential, and alignment with the project objectives.
Deadline
Applicants should refer to the official Swansea University timeline for the 2026 scholarship cycle. Candidates are encouraged to submit their applications early to ensure full consideration.
Apply Now: https://www.swansea.ac.uk/postgraduate/scholarships/research/
