PhD in Exeter

Our PhD students are actively involved in work at the leading edge of all our research areas. The School is a rapidly expanding centre for Biosciences research and it is a very exciting time to join us. We engage in a wide variety of Systems biology and Systems ecology research, ranging from fundamental studies of how biological molecules function, to developing an understanding of how organisms interact with one another and within the ecosystems they occupy. The complementary expertise of our staff facilitates synergistic collaborations and a vibrant research culture in the School at both campus locations. The School has circa 60 academic staff, including several Independent Research Fellows, and a dynamic PhD research community of students funded by research councils, industry and charities. We have state-of-the-art research facilities at both of our campuses in Exeter and Cornwall, find out more on our facilities pages.

Further information

We welcome approaches from interested students throughout the year. Please contact:

Postgraduate Research team
Phone: + 44 (0)1392 723310
Email: pgr-cles-admissions@exeter.ac.uk

PhD studentships

If you are interested in studentships being offered, view our PhD studentships page for full details.

I am currently in my first year of a PhD program investigating early evolution of the eukaryotic cell and horizontal gene transfer. Our approach involves analysing molecular data using phylogenetics and bioinformatics tools to reconstruct the evolution of gene families. My interest in these research topics originated while working on my dissertation at Exeter University as part of my MSc in Bioinformatics. I was investigating the origin and evolution of the newly discovered yeast endocytic anchor known as the Eisosome, and I was impressed by the opportunities for research in molecular phylogenetics and systematics in the post-genomic era. I realised Exeter was the perfect place for me to continue my training in this quickly changing field. What I found here, apart from excellent resources and state of the art equipment, is a positive and supportive academic environment. Guided by two principal investigators in bioinformatics and phylogenetics (Dr Stevens and Dr Richards) we founded the Molecular Ecology & Evolution Group (MEEG). Composed of post-docs and doctoral candidates this group is an ideal environment to share and discuss our research endeavours as well as help us develop communication and presentation skills.
Luigi Cibrario, BBSRC-funded PhD studentship