BBSRC Yorkshire Bioscience Doctoral Training Partnership (YBDTP)

Open to UK (home) students only.

Students who need a visa to study in the UK will NOT be considered for York projects.

You can apply if you have, or are expecting to gain, at least an upper second class honours degree or equivalent. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of this programme we welcome applications if your background is in any biological, chemical or physical science or mathematics and are interested in using your skills in addressing biological questions. If you're an international student, you should check if you meet the entry requirements for your country.

The Yorkshire Bioscience DTP is committed to recruiting extraordinary future scientists regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation or career pathway to date. We understand that commitment and excellence can be shown in many ways and have built our recruitment process to reflect this. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in science, who have curiosity, creativity and a drive to learn new skills.

Not all projects will be funded; a limited number of candidates will be appointed via a competitive process.

Application deadline: Wednesday 7 January 2026, 5pm GMT

To be considered for this project, you will need to complete an expression of interest

You can be considered for a maximum of three YBDTP projects (at the same university or at different universities).

Project supervisors will nominate their strongest candidate to the YBDTP Selection Committee. The Committee will rank candidates across all partners universities and shortlist candidates for interview.

If you're shortlisted for a York project, you'll be invited to attend an interview in person in February 2026 in the Department of Biology at the University of York. You'll be notified a week after the interview whether your application has been successful, placed on a reserve list or unsuccessful. If you are successful, you'll be required to confirm your intention to accept the studentship within 10 days.

The studentships are fully funded for four years and you must complete your PhD in four years.

You'll receive the minimum doctoral UKRI stipend per year for your living costs, which is paid to you in regular instalments. The UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) stipend is tax-free and does not require repayment.

As a member of the York Graduate Research School, you'll study throughout the whole year, working for at least 35 hours per week, and will have a usual annual leave entitlement (normally 30 days over the year plus public holidays). You are encouraged to make use of your leave and have a responsibility to discuss the timing of this with your supervisor (for longer periods of holiday) and recording leave taken through the year. Students working in collaboration with non-academic partners are expected to bear in mind their obligations to those partners in planning leave.

You must adhere to the University’s regulations, policies and guidance regarding research degree programmes.

As part of the YBDTP programme you are expected to attend all mandatory induction, meetings and training sessions scheduled by YBDTP and by the lead Department.