University of Cambridge
Leverhulme Centre for Life in the Universe (LCLU) PhD Studentship (Fixed Term)
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Applications are invited for a fully funded, four-year PhD studentship, available for home (UK) students starting in October 2027. The successful candidate will be based within one of the Centre's participating departments and will undertake a research project aligned with the Centre's mission to develop a deeper understanding of life, its origins, and its distribution throughout the Universe.
Projects
Projects will contribute to one or more of the Centre's core research questions:
- What chemical pathways could have led to the origins of life under conditions compatible with diverse planetary environments?
- How can we identify and characterise environments on Earth and beyond that may serve as cradles for prebiotic chemistry and life?
- What observational facilities, technologies, and analytical methods will enable the study of planets beyond our Solar System and the detection of signatures of geological and biological evolution?
- How can philosophical and mathematical approaches refine our understanding of life and inspire new interdisciplinary modes of scientific enquiry?
Diversity and Inclusivity
We are dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusivity and widening participation in postgraduate study. Therefore, this studentship is only available to people who fulfil at least one of the eligibility criteria. For further information regarding eligibility see PhD Studentships (LCLU PhD Studentships ' Leverhulme Centre for Life in the Universe).
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Funding
This studentship will cover fees and stipend for home students at the UKRI rate, plus an LCLU uplift of £1,000 per year and research cost support will be provided.
Available Projects and Supervisors
There is a list of available projects, but note that the list of projects is not exhaustive, and applicants are encouraged to approach any of our supervisors with their own project ideas. If you would like to propose your own research topic, you can also browse through the list of supervisors with research interests to find those that particularly interest you. You should contact prospective supervisors before applying, to further explore your mutual interests, and to get additional advice and information.
Participating Departments
Cavendish Laboratory, Institute of Astronomy, Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry, Department of Earth Sciences, Department of Zoology, Department of History and Philosophy of Science, Faculty of Divinity, and the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology.
Application Process
To apply for a LCLU PhD Studentship, please apply through the University of Cambridge postgraduate admissions portal: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/ and note in the applying for funding section that you are eligible for LCLU funding. The materials required for your application will depend on the department of the primary PhD supervisor with details available here: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/applying/how-do-i-apply.
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The deadlines for applications vary with the department, so please check what the relevant deadline is with the relevant PhD Supervisor, since some departments have earlier deadlines, such as 2nd December 2026. All applications will have to be in by 12:00 pm (noon) GMT 8th December 2026.
Important Dates
- Application closing date: 8 December 2026
- Interviews will be held within the week of 15-19 February 2027.
Contact Information
For further enquiries please email: se413@cam.ac.uk
Please quote reference KA51068 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
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