A fully-funded PhD studentship is available to start by April 2026 to work with Professor Viji Draviam, Professor of Quantitative Cell and Molecular Biology, QMUL, and Dr Wei Wei, Associate Principal Scientist, MSD.
This project is part of the UKRI/BBSRC AI for Drug Discovery Programme, and the successful candidate will join a cohort of students working on complementary projects in the AI for Drug Discovery space.
The Studentship will cover UK tuition fees, UKRI stipend (currently £22,780) and a consumables allowance for a period of 4-years (pro-rata for part-time).
Application Deadline: 11th January 2026
Background
The Draviam lab aims to understand the molecular principles that govern cell division and the consequence of its failure when cells transition between states during differentiation. Together with MSD, the project aims to focus on developing AI methods to track iPSC (induced Pluripotent Stem Cells) differentiation to neural precursors, astrocytes and neurons. During the process of differentiation, quiescence and senescence are two cell dormancy states with distinct cell fates and transcriptomic statuses. However, these two states of dormancy have similar nuclear shape and size presentation (in images) which we aim to separate by developing a DL-based image analysis framework that tracks their behaviour through time. The ideal candidate is expected to have a strong background in image analysis, development of ML/DL methods, a keen interest in biosciences and provable experience in teamwork.
Eligibility and Applying
We are looking for highly motivated individuals who are passionate about contributing to new discoveries in drug discovery bioscience through the application of the latest techniques in AI and data science.
We are looking for highly motivated individuals who are passionate about contributing to new discoveries in drug discovery bioscience through the application of the latest techniques in AI and data science. Ideal candidates will have a grounding in both a natural science and data science, e.g. through a Master's degree or work experience in a subject such as bioinformatics or computational chemistry. Alternatively, you may have, for example, a first-class degree in computer science followed by biochemistry experience, or vice versa (qualifications and evidence thereof must be obtained before April 2026). You will be confident in performing data wrangling and analysis in a language such as Python, R or C++. Effective communication skills are essential.
We particularly encourage students from groups that are currently underrepresented in postgraduate science research, including black and minority ethnic students and those from a socio-economically disadvantaged background.
Applicants must be available to start the PhD by April 2026.
The Studentship will cover UK tuition fees, UKRI stipend (currently £22,780) and a consumables allowance for a period of 4-years (pro-rata for part-time), and is open to candidates who meet the UKRI eligibility criteria for home students. This typically means the candidate will have unrestricted access on how long they can remain in the UK (i.e. are a British National, have settled, or pre-settled status, have indefinite leave to remain etc.) and have been living in the UK for the 3 years immediately prior to studentship starting. Candidates who would be classed as International are unfortunately not eligible for this opportunity.
Please see the Apply Pages for further details on how to submit an application.
Application Deadline: 11th January 2026
