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BBSRC Midlands Innovative Biosciences Training Partnership

BBSRC Midlands Innovative Biosciences Training Partnership

Qualification: PhD

Application deadline: 7 June 2020

Start date: 28 September 2020

Overview

The Midlands Integrative Biosciences (Doctoral) Training Partnership (MIBTP) is a BBSRC funded doctoral training partnership between University of Warwick, University of Birmingham, University of Leicester, Aston University and Harper Adams University. The universities are separate entities, but there is large and growing cooperation between partners. We recognise that interdisciplinarity underpins most significant research and that critical mass is vital to ensure impact globally.

PhD Studentship projects are focused in vital research areas such as food security, bio-energy and industrial biotechnology, and use interdisciplinary and quantitative approaches to biology. Students from a wide diversity of academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply: those with creative drive in both theoretical disciplines (for example, maths, computer science, statistics) as well as experimental science (for example, biology, biomedicine, chemistry, biotechnology).

Students start their degree with a programme of hands-on training from experts in both theoretical and experimental approaches to bioscience.

University of Leicester MIBTP Projects for 2020 and application advice can be found below.

Doctoral training partnerships

Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs) and Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs) are multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional schemes designed to support the training of the next generation of world-class researchers. The University of Leicester is a lead partner in four DTPs/CDTs through which we can offer funded PhD studentships in a wide range of research areas.

Studentships are available to highly motivated and qualified applicants and provide a generous support package usually including a full fee waiver, annual stipend, and research training support grant. Studentships are in most cases offered early in the year for September/October start.

Funding

All MIBTP students will be provided with 4 years of financial support (UK/EU Fees and UKRI stipend with additional travel allowance in the first year), including funds for research consumables and conference travel, as well as a laptop for use throughout their studies.

Entry requirements

You will have or be expected to hold a First or a 2:1 undergraduate degree in a relevant field.
Evidence of quantitative training is required. For example, AS or A-level Maths, IB Standard or Higher Maths, or a university-level maths/statistics course.
University English language requirements apply.

Alternative qualifications may be considered

A 2:2 and an additional Master's degree in a relevant field.
A 2:2 and at least three years' postgraduate experience in a relevant field.
Equivalent non-UK degree (perhaps as well as postgraduate experience) may be eligible if their qualifications are deemed equivalent to any of the above.

Informal enquiries

For enquiries relating to Leicester projects or studying at Leicester, please contact mibtp2020@le.ac.uk.

Application enquiries to pgradmissions@le.ac.uk.

You may find answers to your questions on the FAQs.

How to apply

Please apply using the guidelines below:

Check your eligibility
Select the project you want to apply for from the project options on the tab below. Alternatively you can simply apply to join the programme without choosing a project at the application stage.
Complete and submit your Leicester PhD application using the Apply Button at the bottom of the page.* Select September 2020 in the drop down menu. (NB The online application will show Genetics regardless of the project you apply for. The academic department may change at the point of offer)
Please notify MIBTP of your application by completing the online application notification form, ensuring that you upload a current CV to the form. This ensures that all applications are processed, especially if applying through a different department.

*In your Leicester PhD application please include:

Your A levels (or equivalent) including Maths - if all of your A levels are on one certificate please only upload it once
Degree level study including study not yet completed. Upload copies of all transcripts and degree certificates if available
CV
In the personal statement section explain why you would like to study for a PhD and why you are applying for MIBTP funding. Articulate your case in light of your academic and/or professional experience, including extracurricular courses, activities, placements, etc. you might have attended
If you are applying to a specific project enter the name of the primary supervisor in the Supervisor Section and add the title of the project in the Proposed project title section
If you are applying to the program without choosing a specific project
- enter PROGRAM in the Proposed supervisor section
- In the Proposed project title/ Studentship title section indicate the area of research that meets your interests, i.e.
  - Sustainable Agriculture and Food
  - Renewable Resources and Clean Growth
  - Understanding the Rules of Life
  - Integrated Understanding of Health
In the Research Proposal Section enter NO when asked Do you have a research proposal to upload? Then type 'NOT APPLICABLE' into the free text box
Please enter contact details of referees in the tabs provided so that we can automatically request references. Please do not upload references already obtained
In the funding section of the application select STUDENTSHIP. In the drop down menu select BBSRC MIBTP