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Apply for a 2025 entry studentship

The ICB covers many training courses including MRes courses and PhD programmes in chemical biology.

Postgraduates benefit from the knowledge of over 160 supervisors and over 40 industry supervisors. Many of the training programs are organised by cohort allowing students to foster strong networks in a thriving and inclusive environment.

The ICB is linked to an extensive infrastructure of projects and networks which provide support to students and staff in many different fields. The ICB spans 14 different departments at 7 different research institutions, giving students the widest choice of projects possible.

Discover our studentship opportunities at the links below.

Targeting Immune Recognition: Advancing Nanobody Therapeutics for Complement System Control

Title

Targeting Immune Recognition: Advancing Nanobody Therapeutics for Complement System Control

This project is co-sponsored by the EPSRC CDT in Chemical Biology and Apellis Pharmaceuticals

Supervisors

Professor Doryen Bubeck, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial
Professor Ed Tate, Department of Chemistry, Imperial
Dr Martin Kolev, Apellis Pharmaceuticals
Dr Peter Hillmen, Apellis Pharmaceuticals

Abstract

Nanobodies are transforming medicine with their precision, stability, and versatility. These small, single-domain antibody fragments can be engineered to target specific disease-related proteins, offering more effective treatments with fewer side effects. One of the most promising applications of nanobody-based therapeutics targets the Complement system, a key part of the immune system responsible for clearing pathogens and dying cells. While traditional antibody therapies can identify and inhibit free complement proteins in plasma, they may struggle to control these processes on target cells, limiting their therapeutic potential.

A major challenge in improving nanobody therapeutics is the limited understanding of how complement receptors recognise "eat-me" signals, known as opsonins, which mark pathogens and dying cells for removal. Complement Receptor 3 (CR3), found on immune cells, plays a crucial role in this process. CR3 deficiencies are linked to recurrent infections and autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. However, current diagnostic tools and treatments cannot effectively distinguish between active, surface-bound opsonins and inactive complement by-products.

In this project you will develop a nanobody-driven chemical biology platform to selectively recognise and control CR3 interactions with opsonised cells. You will engineer nanobodies that specifically target membrane-bound opsonins from complement C3 cleavage, use cutting-edge cryo-electron microscopy to study how these nanobodies interact with CR3, and develop advanced molecular probes for in-depth immune system analysis.

You will work with the teams of Prof Doryen Bubeck (Life Sciences; https://profiles.imperial.ac.uk/d.bubeck) and Prof Ed Tate (Chemistry; https://www.imperial.ac.uk/tate-group/), and in close collaboration with industry experts at our partner Apellis (https://apellis.com/), a leader in the field of complement-targeted therapies; Apellis has launched multiple marketed drugs, with several more in clinical development.

We welcome candidates with a strong background in molecular sciences (chemistry, chemical biology, etc.) who share our vision of integrating cutting-edge chemical and molecular biology approaches to revolutionize drug discovery. We seek open-minded, curious scientists eager to both contribute to and benefit from our dynamic, diverse, and supportive teams at Imperial's South Kensington and White City Campuses, home to a wide range of disciplines and over 20 nationalities.

Studentship Information and Eligibility

This 1+3 [1-year MRes and 3-year PhD] studentship will form part of the 2025 entry cohort (Cohort 2) of the Institute of Chemical Biology's EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Chemical Biology: Empowering UK BioTech Innovation (ICB CDT).

The project will commence in October 2025, where the successful candidate will undertake a number of transferrable skills training courses with their cohort.

This project is available to candidates with both Home and Overseas fee status. For information on what this means, please review the eligibility criteria on our website.

We will only consider candidates who have achieved an upper second or first class degree in a relevant subject, with at least 50% physical sciences background.

To apply for this studentship, please apply via My Imperial, and select 'Postgraduate Taught (Postgraduate Masters/MRes, Intercalated)' and ‘Chemical Biology and Bio-Entrepreneurship [1+3] (MRes 1YFT + PhD 3YFT)’.

Once your application has been submitted, please e-mail icbadmin@imperial.ac.uk to confirm.

Application Deadline

7 April 2025

This studentship opportunity was released on Monday 10 March 2025

Warheads take the strain in chemoproteomics

Title

Warheads take the strain in chemoproteomics

This project is co-sponsored by the EPSRC CDT in Chemical Biology and Vertex Pharmaceuticals

Supervisors

Professor James Bull, Department of Chemistry, Imperial
Professor Ed Tate, Department of Chemistry, Imperial
Professor Alan Armstrong, Department of Chemistry, Imperial
Professor David Mann, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial
Dr David Hewings, Vertex Pharmaceuticals
Dr Enric Ros, Vertex Pharmaceuticals

Abstract

Targeted covalent inhibitors are now well validated in drug discovery with several recent compounds undergoing successful progression to market. Covalent drugs consist of an affinity element and a warhead. Together these allow selective formation of covalent bonds with target proteins to promote a desired biological response. To date the use of acrylamides dominates the covalent drug landscape, for example in Ibrutinib, an anticancer drug acting as an irreversible BTK inhibitor. However, novel warheads present enormous potential to provide different intrinsic selectivity profiles, to provide tunable reactivity features, and hence to discover new targeted probes and drugs. This is particularly true in an ‘electrophile first’ screening approach of electrophilic fragments, whereby warhead-containing hits can be subsequently developed.

This project will establish novel sets of cysteine targeting warheads, notably as chiral fragments, and examine these in chemical proteomics and against single protein targets. The project will involve warhead synthesis with cutting edge synthetic methods, and screening against the proteome or isolated proteins using leading technologies. Based on the structural and reactivity differences to more typical covalent probes, we anticipate these previously unexplored classes will provide opportunities in targeting new and different functional proteins as cystine selective probes.

This project would ideally suit candidates with a strong first degree in molecular sciences, for example chemistry, chemical biology, or medicinal chemistry. Whilst some prior experience in working with biological systems (cells, proteins) would be an advantage, training in all relevant techniques will be provided.

Studentship Information and Eligibility

The project will commence in October 2025, where the successful candidate will undertake a number of transferrable skills training courses with their cohort.

This project is available to candidates with both Home and Overseas fee status. For information on what this means, please review the eligibility criteria on our website.

We will only consider candidates who have achieved an upper second or first class degree in a relevant subject, with at least 50% physical sciences background.

Once your application has been submitted, please e-mail icbadmin@imperial.ac.uk to confirm.

Application Deadline

7th April 2025

This studentship opportunity was released on Monday 10 March 2025

Molecular Mechanisms of Agonist-Driven G Protein Coupling in β-Branch Class A GPCRs

Title

Molecular Mechanisms of Agonist-Driven G Protein Coupling in β-Branch Class A GPCRs

This project is co-sponsored by the EPSRC CDT in Chemical Biology and Vertex Pharmaceuticals

Supervisors

Dr Sarah Rouse, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial
Dr Alejandra Tomas Catala, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial
Dr Meng Li, Vertex Pharmaceuticals

Abstract

The biological problem tackled by this project is understanding how β-branch Class A GPCRs, a critical subset of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), achieve selective signalling through G protein switching and biased agonism. These receptors regulate essential physiological processes, including immune responses, cardiovascular function, and pain signalling, and are prime therapeutic targets for diseases such as hypertension, chronic pain, and cancer. However, current therapeutic strategies often face limitations, such as on-target side effects or suboptimal efficacy, arising from an incomplete understanding of how specific agonists selectively engage downstream signalling pathways.

This project aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which different agonists modulate receptor conformation to bias coupling toward specific G proteins. This gap in understanding is a fundamental barrier to rational drug design for pathway-specific therapeutics. We will develop an advanced molecular dynamics simulation workflow to model β-branch Class A GPCRs in biologically relevant model membranes to address the question of agonist influence on G protein coupling (Rouse lab). This project is multidisciplinary, and the computational work will be closely integrated with experimental assays (Tomas lab), giving a feedback loop between simulation and experiment. Through engagement with Vertex pharmaceuticals as part of the industrial collaboration, the student will gain exposure to the drug discovery and development process and learn to apply mechanistic GPCR knowledge to facilitate drug design. By working at the interface of academia and industry, the student will develop a broader understanding of translational research and its impact on therapeutic innovation.

We welcome candidates who are keen to work in a multidisciplinary environment to develop new tools and technologies across simulation and experiment, to transform GPCR drug discovery. No prior coding or simulation experience is required.

Studentship Information and Eligibility

The project will commence in October 2025, where the successful candidate will undertake a number of transferrable skills training courses with their cohort.

This project is available to candidates with both Home and Overseas fee status. For information on what this means, please review the eligibility criteria on our website.

We will only consider candidates who have achieved an upper second or first class degree in a relevant subject, with at least 50% physical sciences background.

Once your application has been submitted, please e-mail icbadmin@imperial.ac.uk to confirm.

Application Deadline

7 April 2025

This studentship opportunity was released on Monday 10 March 2025

Novel chemical biology tools to increase crop yields

Title

Novel chemical biology tools to increase crop yields

This project was made possible via the EPSRC CDT in Chemical Biology and the Norris Plant Chemical Biology Postgraduate Scholarship

Supervisors

Dr Laura Barter, Department of Chemistry, Imperial
Dr Rudiger Woscholski, Department of Chemistry, Imperial
Professor Nick Long, Department of Chemistry, Imperial

Abstract

This studentship will explore novel synthetic chemistry and chemical biological routes to tackle the global challenge of food security, by developing molecular tools with the potential to transform crop security across the globe. They will enable plants to exceed performance levels that are limited by in-built pathway inefficiencies, currently only being addressed via expensive and, often perceived as controversial, genetic engineering approaches. This novel form of crop enhancement will enable plants to function at levels beyond that set by their natural performance and will target the inefficient process of photosynthesis, and in particular the wasteful photorespiration reactions, where O₂ competes with CO₂, lowering photosynthetic efficiency by ~50%. It will mitigate this by increasing local CO₂ concentrations, and minimising photorespiration, thereby increasing photosynthetic efficiencies and crop yields.

This studentship will design, synthesise (transition metal complexes of multidentate ligands), test and optimise (via in vitro and in vivo iterative studies) a suite of these novel, molecular CO₂ delivery vehicles, to investigate their mode of action. This will support the rational optimisation of efficacy, solubility and bioavailability and demonstrate their potential as a viable, scalable and cost-effective tool able to supercharge photosynthesis, resulting in increased crop yield.

Studentship Information and Eligibility

The project will commence in October 2025, where the successful candidate will undertake a number of transferrable skills training courses with their cohort.

This project is available to candidates with both Home and Overseas fee status. For information on what this means, please review the eligibility criteria on our website.

We will only consider candidates who have achieved an upper second or first class degree in a relevant subject, with at least 50% physical sciences background.

Once your application has been submitted, please e-mail icbadmin@imperial.ac.uk to confirm.

Application Deadline

7 April 2025

This studentship opportunity was released on Monday 10 March 2025

High-Throughput Fungal Imaging Utilising Microfluidic Technologies

Title

High-Throughput Fungal Imaging Utilising Microfluidic Technologies

This project is co-sponsored by the EPSRC CDT in Chemical Biology and Syngenta

Supervisors

Dr Claire Stanley, Department of Bioengineering, Imperial
Dr Andre Brown, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Imperial
Professor Marina Kuimova, Department of Chemistry, Imperial
Dr Mark Johnston, Syngenta
Dr Ana Wood, Syngenta

Abstract

Funded by the EPSRC CDT in Chemical Biology and Syngenta, the overarching aim of this PhD project is to develop a microfluidic platform that can provide improved imaging of fungal pathogens in high-throughput and utilise this technology, in combination with fluorescent tags, dyes, or reporters, to explore cellular and intracellular changes in fungi in response to anti-fungal compounds.

Imaging is a useful tool for us to understand the effects of various chemical compounds and treatments upon fungal pathogens. Changes in morphology, behaviour, and growth can be measured and fluorescent proteins and/or stains can also be used to understand the effect on intracellular organelles and cellular processes. The phenotypes identified can then be linked to specific modes-of-action and used in chemical screens. However, many fungal pathogens do not adhere to the bottom of imaging dishes, greatly impairing the ability to maintain the appropriate focal plane and therefore capture hyphal structures. In turn, this can affect our ability to observe specific behaviours/phenotypes and obtain consistent images.

In recent years, the use of microfluidic technologies has been shown to improve fungal imaging using constrained imaging chambers. These can direct fungal growth and limit the amount of space in the z-plane, preventing fungal hyphae from growing out of focus. Further, these devices can accommodate the study of multiple growth conditions in parallel and are easily designed to be adaptable for different microorganisms and research questions. Implementation of microfluidic technology therefore provides the opportunity to reduce the number of images required to identify subtle differences in phenotypes and behaviours in screening experiments, thus affording more consistent and repeatable results.

The successful PhD candidate will have the chance to develop new microfluidic devices and learn advanced imaging methods to capture images of fungal cell biology and behaviour with the aim of creating practical tools that will impact and improve the development of new anti-fungal compounds. As well as access to high level training and world class facilities at Imperial College, the PhD student will also spend time at Syngenta’s largest research site at Jealott’s Hill learning directly how phenotypic approaches impact the development of novel compounds.

Studentship Information and Eligibility

The project will commence in October 2025, where the successful candidate will undertake a number of transferrable skills training courses with their cohort.

This project is available to candidates with both Home and Overseas fee status. For information on what this means, please review the eligibility criteria on our website.

We will only consider candidates who have achieved an upper second or first class degree in a relevant subject, with at least 50% physical sciences background.

Once your application has been submitted, please e-mail icbadmin@imperial.ac.uk to confirm.

Application Deadline

7 April 2025

This studentship opportunity was released on Monday 17 March 2025

New dimensions for covalent enantioprobe chemoproteomics

Title

New dimensions for covalent enantioprobe chemoproteomics

This project is generously funded by the Faculty of Natural Sciences

Supervisors

Professor James Bull, Department of Chemistry, Imperial
Professor Ed Tate, Department of Chemistry, Imperial

Abstract

Covalent probes selectively modify proteins to enable the study of function and the development of targeted covalent inhibitor therapeutics. The chemoproteomic screening of stereomatched enantioprobes provides a powerful emerging technology to identify authentic selective binding interactions, and subsequent identification and targeting of potentially therapeutic protein targets. The use of enantiomer pairs provides an in-built control, due to identical physical properties and reactivity, and hence differential interactions result from the stereoselective non-covalent interactions, providing a starting point for further development.

This project will investigate new enantioprobes. Cutting edge synthetic chemistry methods, including enantioselective C–H functionalisation, will be employed to provide unprecedented enantioprobe libraries. You will apply the developed library of enantioprobes in chemoproteomics investigations using leading technologies to identify altered cysteines. The probes will also be employed against single protein targets suitable for covalent inhibitors. We anticipate these previously unexplored classes of enantioprobe will provide opportunities in targeting new and different functional proteins.

Studentship Information and Eligibility

The project will commence in October 2025, where the successful candidate will undertake a number of transferrable skills training courses with their cohort.

This project is available to candidates with both Home and Overseas fee status. For information on what this means, please review the eligibility criteria on our website.

We will only consider candidates who have achieved an upper second or first class degree in a relevant subject, with at least 50% physical sciences background.

Once your application has been submitted, please e-mail icbadmin@imperial.ac.uk to confirm.

Application Deadline

7 April 2025

This studentship opportunity was released on Thursday 20 March 2025

A microfluidic Micro-Foundry for engineering multi-compartment lipid nanoparticles as next-generation therapeutic carriers

Title

A microfluidic Micro-Foundry for engineering multi-compartment lipid nanoparticles as next-generation therapeutic carriers

This project is co-sponsored by the EPSRC CDT in Chemical Biology and The NIHR Imperial Biomedical Research Centre (BRC)

Supervisors

Dr Yuval Elani, Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial
Professor Oscar Ces, Department of Chemistry, Imperial
Professor Rongjun Chen, Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial

Abstract

The rise of biomolecular therapeutics — DNA, RNA, and protein-based therapies — has revolutionised the pharmaceutical industry, redefining modern medicine. These modalities increasingly depend on nano-delivery vehicles, but progress in nanoparticle design has struggled to keep pace. While hundreds of advanced biomolecular cargos are advancing through clinical pipelines, most lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) remain rudimentary in architecture, lacking structural and functional diversity.

This disconnect limits their therapeutic potential, as structure and function are deeply interconnected — more sophisticated LNP architectures hold the key to unlocking new functionalities and will allow long-standing bottlenecks in the sector to be addressed.

This PhD project aims to revolutionise LNP design by developing novel physical science innovations, combining microfluidic technologies with biomembrane engineering principles. By integrating these approaches, we will establish a Lab-on-Chip Micro-Foundry — a platform for the precise manufacture, manipulation, and characterisation of multi-compartment LNPs. This will enable the discovery of new LNP architectures with enhanced targeting capabilities (including intracellular delivery), improved endosomal escape, and multi-stage release of drugs and antigens, which collectively optimise immunogenic and therapeutic profiles.

This project is ideal for candidates with a strong first degree in molecular sciences (e.g., chemistry, biochemistry, bioengineering). We seek collaborative and open-minded individuals to join our dynamic, ambitious, and supportive teams at Imperial College London.

Studentship Information and Eligibility

The project will commence in October 2025, where the successful candidate will undertake a number of transferrable skills training courses with their cohort.

This project is available to candidates with both Home and Overseas fee status. For information on what this means, please review the eligibility criteria on our website.

We will only consider candidates who have achieved an upper second or first class degree in a relevant subject, with at least 50% physical sciences background.

Once your application has been submitted, please e-mail icbadmin@imperial.ac.uk to confirm.

Application Deadline

27 April 2025

This studentship opportunity was released on Thursday 20 March 2025

Targeting inflammation and autoimmune disease through universal proximity-induced pharmacology

Title

Targeting inflammation and autoimmune disease through universal proximity-induced pharmacology

This project is co-sponsored by the EPSRC CDT in Chemical Biology and The NIHR Imperial Biomedical Research Centre (BRC)

Supervisors

Professor Ed Tate, Department of Chemistry, Imperial
Dr Avinash Shenoy, Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial
Dr Sarah Rouse, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial

Abstract

Chronic inflammation is a key driver of numerous poorly treated diseases, including autoimmune disorders, neurodegeneration, and cancer, with a rapidly growing market for anti-inflammatory therapeutics projected to reach $272 billion by 2033. However, many validated drug targets in chronic inflammation remain intractable due to a lack of suitable binding sites, or a very high selectivity threshold required for safety. Proximity-induced pharmacology (PIP) offers a transformative approach to overcome these challenges by recruiting intracellular effector proteins to modulate target activity through small molecule-induced protein-protein interactions. While PIP modalities such as PROTACs have demonstrated potential, current methods for proof-of-concept studies are constrained by limitations in effector diversity, structural interference from fusion domains, and inefficiencies in mapping actionable effector-target sites.

To address these challenges, you will apply a novel chemical biology technology platform recently developed in our labs, “Site-specific Ligand Incorporation-induced Proximity” (SLIP), a universal approach based on genetic code expansion which enables site-specific, high-resolution and high-throughput discovery of functional effector-target interactions in cells, with minimal structural disruption. You will leverage SLIP to explore new PIP modalities to target chronic inflammation, enhance PIP kinetics, potency, and specificity, and streamline the development of next-generation anti-inflammatory therapeutics. Your work using this innovative platform will unlock previously inaccessible targets by accelerating rational drug design, with the potential to revolutionise the treatment of inflammatory diseases by overcoming the limitations of current small molecule approaches.

We welcome candidates with a strong molecular science background (chemistry, chemical biology, etc.) who share our vision to combine cutting edge chemistry and molecular biology approaches to transform future drug discovery. We seek open-minded and curious scientists who would both enrich and benefit from joining our dynamic, diverse, supportive and kind teams, encompassing a wide range of disciplines and over 20 nationalities.

Studentship Information and Eligibility

The project will commence in October 2025, where the successful candidate will undertake a number of transferrable skills training courses with their cohort.

This project is available to candidates with both Home and Overseas fee status. For information on what this means, please review the eligibility criteria on our website.

We will only consider candidates who have achieved an upper second or first class degree in a relevant subject, with at least 50% physical sciences background.

Once your application has been submitted, please e-mail icbadmin@imperial.ac.uk to confirm.

Application Deadline

7 April 2025

This studentship opportunity was released on Friday 21 March 2025

Multiplex measurement of neurotransmitter release within the skin

Title

Multiplex measurement of neurotransmitter release within the skin

This project is co-sponsored by the EPSRC CDT in Chemical Biology and Procter & Gamble

Supervisors

Dr Claire Higgins, Department of Bioengineering, Imperial
Dr Parastoo Hashemi, Department of Bioengineering, Imperial
Dr Leigh Knight, Procter & Gamble
Dr Kous Shah, Procter & Gamble
Dr Alison Stephens, Procter & Gamble

Abstract

Inflammatory skin diseases affect a significant portion of the population, profoundly impacting patients’ well-being and quality of life. Recent studies have highlighted the critical role that neurotransmitters, such as histamine and serotonin, play in inflammatory pathways. These molecules, which comodulate one another in the brain, can become imbalanced, triggering an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokine concentrations and perpetuating a cycle of inflammation and neurotransmitter dysregulation. This stress-related pathway is not confined to the brain but is present throughout the body, and neuroinflammation within the skin exacerbates inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. The release of histamine from Mast cells within the skin has been well documented and attributed to the impaired barrier function seen in these skin diseases. Recent work from our groups has shown that fibroblasts and keratinocytes, the two main cell types in the skin, can also release histamine and serotonin. In this project, we aim to develop a reliable and higher throughput method, to measure neurotransmitters release in the skin. We will multiplex our detection method, to simultaneously measure histamine and serotonin in real time. These molecules will later be characterized in the context of inflammatory skin disease.

Studentship Information and Eligibility

The project will commence in October 2025, where the successful candidate will undertake a number of transferrable skills training courses with their cohort.

This project is available to candidates with both Home and Overseas fee status. For information on what this means, please review the eligibility criteria on our website.

We will only consider candidates who have achieved an upper second or first class degree in a relevant subject, with at least 50% physical sciences background.

Once your application has been submitted, please e-mail icbadmin@imperial.ac.uk to confirm.

Application Deadline

7 April 2025

This studentship opportunity was released on Friday 21 March 2025

Analysis of vitamin production heterogeneity in Yarrowia lipolytica

Title

Analysis of vitamin production heterogeneity in Yarrowia lipolytica

This project is co-sponsored by the EPSRC CDT in Chemical Biology and BASF

Supervisors

Dr Rodrigo Ledesma-Amaro, Department of Bioengineering, Imperial
Professor Klaus Hellgardt, Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial
Dr Barbara Nave, BASF

Abstract

Microbial biotechnology holds the promise of providing a platform for the sustainable production of chemicals and food ingredients. Strain engineering, contribute to the improvement of microbial capabilities to maximise yields and production titers, which are essential for the economical feasibility of bioprocesses. However, the more we engineer strains the less robust and more heterogeneous they become, which impairs the overall process, often preventing the transition from lab to commercialization.

This project explores how strain and process optimization are linked to genetic and phenotypic stability and for that the candidate will develop and use new high-throughput single-cell metabolite analysis technologies. In addition, the project will characterise how different molecular strategies and tools correlate with stability level, as well as the importance of the overall process design including bioreactor and downstream design, which will guide the develop of new, improved strains and processes in an iterative manner.

As a case study this project will target the production of colored vitamin precursor compounds that have industrial interest in yeast and will also evaluate the sustainability and economic feasibility of such process.

Studentship Information and Eligibility

The project will commence in October 2025, where the successful candidate will undertake a number of transferrable skills training courses with their cohort.

This project is available to candidates with both Home and Overseas fee status. For information on what this means, please review the eligibility criteria on our website.

We will only consider candidates who have achieved an upper second or first class degree in a relevant subject, with at least 50% physical sciences background.

Once your application has been submitted, please e-mail icbadmin@imperial.ac.uk to confirm.