Biosciences PhD

Our academics are internationally renowned scientists in their fields of expertise and are involved in making major advances and breakthroughs in human diseases and syndromes, including breast, prostate and skin cancer, leukaemia, progeria (premature ageing), tuberculosis, malaria, aspergillus infection, trinucleotide repeat diseases and normal ageing.

Our academics are also involved in the development of 21st-century treatments for disease, such as novel vaccines; stem cell, gene and antibody therapies; novel drug development; artificial biomaterials and, with advancing mechanistic understanding of cell and molecular biological processes.

Biosciences at Brunel offer a research environment with projects at the cutting edge of modern biomedical research.  Our research is internationally regarded and offers talented researchers the opportunity to work in a range of specialist areas including Nuclear & Genome Organisation, Mechanisms of Carcinogenesis & Therapeutics, Genetic Disease, Ageing, Immunology & Infection, Radiobiology and Endocrinology. 

We have extensive state-of-the-art research laboratories, including a bioimaging suite, that houses specialist technology for 2/3/4D imaging from the single-cell level to the whole organism, and a containment level 3 laboratory for research on tuberculosis. 

Find out about the exciting research we do in this area. Browse profiles of our experts, discover the research within the Centre for Genome Engineering and Maintenance and Centre for Inflammation Research and Translational Medicine and, their inspirational research activities you too could be part of.

As a member of the Division of Biosciences you will:

• Join an internationally recognised environment for research excellence
• Be part of an expert community that publishes world-leading research and work with scientists who are leaders in their respective fields
• Enjoy being part of a well-resourced, collegial research environment - all our research students are based in our dedicated postgraduate study rooms alongside academic staff offices and play a full part in the activities of the Division.

Our researchers create knowledge and advance understanding, and equip versatile doctoral researchers with the confidence to apply what they have learnt for the benefit of society. Find out more about working with the Supervisory Team.

You are welcome to approach your potential supervisor directly to discuss your research interests. Search for expert supervisors for your chosen field of research.

This course can be studied 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time, starting in January. Or this course can be studied 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time, starting in October. Or this course can be studied 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time, starting in April.

A training programme will be provided by the College to assist students with achieving targets.  The programme will include the underpinning principles such as philosophy of science, research integrity, ethics and specialist methodology.  Sessions in core, specialist and advanced research methods will prepare students for an independent research career.

Following the completion of the course students may follow several career paths:

• Research within academia which may lead to the career path of a University Lecturer
• Career progression within the bio-pharmaceutical sector including project management and above
• A career path within government agencies (e.g. Department of Health, Public Health England) or international agencies (UN, WHO, IAEA etc.)
• Career path within NHS including specialist research laboratories.

Career progression within specialist research institutes commencing as a post-doc researcher and progressing to senior researcher.