Postgraduate research
Chemistry Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) PhD
Qualification: PhD
Department: School of Chemistry
Application deadline: 22 June 2026
Start date: 21 September 2026
Overview
OPEN TO UK APPLICANTS ONLY
The School of Chemistry has fully-funded Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) studentships available for UK applicants, starting in September 2026.
These opportunities allow successful candidates to pursue their passion for research in the chemical sciences, alongside developing their skills as chemistry lecturers and educators of the future. This includes working toward gaining recognition as an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
The GTA involves laboratory demonstrating and other teaching responsibilities in term time, with approximately 80% of your time dedicated to research across the calendar year. These are 4-year positions that include an annual stipend and salary package, full UK tuition fees, and a research and training grant.
This is a competitive scheme with ten exciting research projects to select from (see below). The projects stem from our world-leading research groups in the areas of chemical biology and sustainable materials chemistry.
As a GTA you will be an integral member of the School, contributing to our excellent track records in research and teaching quality. Candidates will be selected based on their potential to become outstanding researchers and chemistry educators.
Application Advice
Select your preferred project from the list below and feel free to contact the supervisors or postgraduate tutor directly if you have any queries. When you are ready to apply follow the instructions below. Please note that these studentships are only available to those who qualify for UK tuition fee status.
Chemistry GTA Projects for September 2026
Dr. Phil Ash: Chemical energy conversion in biology studied using advanced spectroscopic and structural tools
Dr. Richard Doveston: Pin-ing it down: Novel Inhibitors for the Enigmatic Pin1 Enzyme to treat Cancer
Dr. Richard Hopkinson: Development of a novel cancer treatment strategy targeting reactive protein N-termini
Prof. Andrew Hudson: A Biophysical Approach to Uncovering Mechanisms of Circadian Rhythm Regulation
Dr. Sandy Kilpatrick: Bio-Derived Carbonate Materials for Circular Chemical Manufacturing: Titanium Complexes for CO2 Valorisation
Dr. Fabrizio Ortu: Rare Earth Materials for Reprocessing and Spintronics
Prof. Sergey Piletsky: Novel sensors/assays for healthcare applications
Dr. Alex Pulis: Accessing deuterated amine-based pharmaceuticals through new approaches to hydrogen isotope exchange
Prof. Karl Ryder: Chemical Speciation of Aluminium in Novel Electrolytes; The Drive Towards Sustainable Abundant Energy Storage
Dr. Rama Suntharalingam: Metal Complexes as Nucleic Acid Delivery Vehicles for Cancer Stem Cell Therapy
Funding
Funding
GTA Studentships provide funding for 4 years to include:
- Tuition fees at UK rates
- A combined teaching and stipend payment (for 2026/7 this will be £21,805 per year, paid in monthly instalments)
- Research training support grant (RTSG)
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
Applicants are required to hold/or expect to obtain a UK Bachelor Degree 2:1 and/or M-level degree in a relevant subject or overseas equivalent.
The University of Leicester English language requirements apply
Informal enquiries
Informal enquiries
Project enquiries please email the relevant project supervisor.
Application enquiries to Dr Richard Doveston r.g.doveston@leicester.ac.uk (Postgraduate Admissions tutor for the School of Chemistry)
How to apply
How to apply
To apply, please select the 'Apply' button below and then select September 2026.
With your application, please include:
- CV
- Personal statement explaining, briefly, your interest in the project and your experience.
- Degree Certificates and Transcripts of study already completed and if possible transcript to date of study currently being undertaken
- Evidence of English language proficiency, if applicable.
- In the reference section please enter the contact details of your two academic referees in the boxes provided or upload letters of reference if already available. Project supervisors cannot act as referees.
- In the funding section please specify Chemistry GTA studentship.
- In the proposal section please provide the name of the project supervisor and the project title (a research proposal is not required).
Eligibility
Eligibility
The studentships is open to UK applicants only.
If you are unsure if you qualify for UK tuition fees please email pgrapply@le.ac.uk with details of your immigration status.
