Fully Funded 4-Year Cheney Scholarship PhD Programme in In Situ Biology

The Cheney Scholarship is a prestigious 4-year PhD programme in in situ biology, designed to train the next generation of scientists to tackle the most complex challenges in biology and medicine. Funded by Leeds alumni Peter Cheney and his wife Susan Cheney, this scholarship offers a unique opportunity to explore the molecular machinery of life, not just in isolation, but within the context of living cells and tissues.

<h2>Our vision: Biology in context</h2> <p>In situ biology techniques can reveal molecular details of the interactions that drive fundamental biological processes (and become dysregulated in disease), the interactions between hosts and pathogens, and the mechanism of action of targeted therapies.</p> <p>This unique PhD programme will bring together world-leading research from the <a href="https://www.findaphd.com/common/clickCount.aspx?theid=6355&type=185&url=https%3a%2f%2fbiologicalsciences.leeds.ac.uk%2f&sig=r1l9-Q9jHcy4fgd9PGCM-rgMboYfEFNLvrNRGaAyewE" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Faculty of Biological Sciences</a> and the <a href="https://www.findaphd.com/common/clickCount.aspx?theid=6355&type=185&url=https%3a%2f%2fleedsbrc.nihr.ac.uk%2f&sig=_yGUTx6PVVgmqes-Dvr086m_5wuSgcC3GK8eOuiTBCk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Leeds Biomedical Research Centre</a> based in the Faculty of Medicine and Health. It will be housed in a brand-new, state-of-the-art hub: the Cheney Biomedical Accelerator. This exciting hub has been enabled by a philanthropic gift from Peter and Susan Cheney.</p> <p>The new facilities in the Cheney Biomedical Accelerator, alongside facilities for light and electron microscopy within the <a href="https://www.findaphd.com/common/clickCount.aspx?theid=6355&type=185&url=https%3a%2f%2fastbury.leeds.ac.uk%2f&sig=H4Flx8m9S-uH0ednkTCqW14-hiLlM5_Cv8lPELiU7s8" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology</a> are state-of-the-art.</p> <p><strong>Applications are now invited for up to 5 new scholarships, commencing in October 2027. Interviews will take place on Monday 14^th December 2026</strong>.</p> <p> </p> <h2>Funding information</h2> <p>The scholarship includes:</p> <ul> <li>Academic fees (at the UK Home Fee rate for postgraduate researchers) and an enhanced PhD stipend (UKRI + 10%)</li> <li>Budgets for research consumables, facility access, training, and funding to attend relevant scientific meetings.</li> </ul>

<h2>How to Apply</h2> <p>To apply for this scholarship opportunity applicants should complete an <a href="https://www.findaphd.com/common/clickCount.aspx?theid=6355&type=185&url=https%3a%2f%2fbiologicalsciences.leeds.ac.uk%2fresearch-degrees%2fdoc%2fhow-to-apply&sig=dMdYe8PZgt3f_ah_g-JHOXOHHckd0J0X1CrjcmGdYG4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">online application form</a> and attach the following documentation to support their application:</p> <p><strong>1. Supporting statements: (Maximum 200 words each - responses exceeding the word limit will receive a reduced score.)</strong></p> <p><strong>a. A summary of your academic and employment achievements</strong>. Please highlight any awards, scholarships or outstanding achievements, such as excellent module results, project outcomes and final/predicted grades and include the subjects of your previous degrees.</p> <p><strong>b. An explanation of your motivation to do a PhD within our Cheney Scholarship scheme</strong>. Please include why you want to study for a PhD, your suitability for our programme and interest in in situ structural biology.</p> <p><strong>c. A description of a situation in which you have gathered evidence, used this evidence to come to conclusion(s) and inform action(s)</strong>. Your answer could include an experience from research, employment, voluntary work, committee membership or education.</p> <p>Please do not mention your name, gender identity or institutions you have studied at in your supporting statements.</p> <p><strong>2. A 2-page Academic CV</strong>.</p> <p><strong>3. Degree certificates and transcripts both for undergraduate and postgraduate studies as appropriate (or marks so far if still studying)</strong></p> <p><strong>4. Evidence of English language ability, if applicable</strong></p> <p><strong>5. An Equality, Diversity and Inclusion questionnaire.</strong></p> <p>Candidates will receive a link to an EDI questionnaire when they have submitted an application. All responses are anonymous and data would only ever be used in aggregate to avoid identification of individuals. The questionnaire includes a ‘prefer not to say’ option against each question if required.</p> <p><strong>To help us identify that you are applying for this opportunity please ensure you make it clear that you are applying for the Cheney Scholarship PhD scheme.</strong></p> <p>For further information please contact the Facutly Admissions Team: <a href="javascript:void(0)">fbsgrad@leeds.ac.uk</a>.</p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 7.0 overall with at least 6.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid.

<p>For further information please contact the Admissions team<br /> e: <a href="mailto:EMAIL@leeds.ac.uk">f</a>bsgrad@leeds.ac.uk </p>