UCL RNA-Mediated Peptide Synthesis PhD Studentships 2027
University College London (UCL)
UCL Chemistry is recruiting three PhD researchers to study the chemical origins of RNA-mediated peptide synthesis with Prof. Matthew Powner and colleagues. The department describes the studentships as funded, but specifies tuition coverage at the UK Home fee rate; applicants should confirm their fee status and any gap. Apply by 20 November 2026.
Three doctoral students will join UCL’s interdisciplinary programme on the origins of translation, spanning chemistry, molecular biology, RNA catalysis and biophysics. Supervisors are Prof. Matthew Powner, Dr James Attwater and Dr Daniel Whitaker. The planned start is 1 October 2027. UCL calls these fully funded studentships, but explicitly states tuition coverage at the UK Home fee rate, so overseas-fee applicants must clarify whether any difference will be covered before relying on a full-funding claim. Suitable candidates must complete both the departmental monitoring form and the formal UCL postgraduate research application by 20 November 2026.
Source and verification
Check the current official call before applying
Recorded source check: October 23, 2026. A stored check date does not guarantee that every field is complete or still current. Compare the provider, eligibility, funding and deadline with the live official call before applying.
Benefits
UCL describes three studentships as fully funded, with tuition fees covered at the UK Home rate. The official call does not specify a stipend amount or confirm overseas-fee top-up coverage; applicants should request the full award terms before accepting.
Eligibility summary
Applicants should hold or expect a first or upper-second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in chemistry, biochemistry or molecular biology. Strong experimental laboratory skills and collaborative research interest are expected. UCL says the studentship covers UK Home-rate tuition; check individual fee status and funding terms with UCL.
Requirements
Contact Prof. Matthew Powner with a degree transcript and brief motivation letter if interested. Complete the departmental monitoring form and UCL formal application for the 2027 Chemistry postgraduate research degree; ask referees to submit references promptly.
Documents required
Degree transcript and brief motivation letter for initial supervisor contact; formal UCL research application and references; departmental monitoring form. See the official call for current instructions.
Language/test requirements
Listing-board disclaimer
Prime Scholarship Alerts is an independent listing board, not the scholarship provider, university or funder. We do not select applicants, collect provider application fees or guarantee an award. Verify requirements, deadlines, funding, fees and application instructions through the current provider page before applying.