University of Birmingham | School of Biosciences
The School of Biosciences at the University of Birmingham is inviting applications for a fully funded PhD studentship in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) repair, transmission, and maintenance in Professor Hansong Ma’s laboratory.
Key Information
- Degree: PhD
- Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Study mode: Full-time
- Primary funding eligibility: UK students
- International applicants: Welcome to apply, with additional tuition costs applicable
- Expected start: 2027
- Application deadline: 24 October 2026
- Posted: 24 July 2026
- Supervisor: Professor Hansong Ma
Research Focus
The successful candidate will investigate the biological mechanisms that govern mitochondrial DNA transmission, inheritance, maintenance, and stability.
The project will combine:
- Genetic approaches
- Cell biology
- Molecular biology
- Drosophila models
- Human cell models
The research aims to uncover fundamental principles regulating how mitochondrial genomes are inherited and maintained across cells and generations.
This project may be particularly suitable for candidates interested in mitochondrial biology, genetics, molecular biology, cell biology, genome stability, and biomedical research.
Further information about the research programme is available through the Ma Lab website: themalab.co.uk.
Funding
The studentship provides:
- Tuition fees at the UK home student rate
- A tax-free maintenance stipend
- Stipend funding at the current UKRI rate
- Funding for four years
International Applicants
Applications from international students are welcomed.
However, the studentship covers tuition fees only up to the UK home-student rate. International students will therefore be responsible for paying the difference between the home and international tuition fees.
How to Apply
Applicants should email Professor Hansong Ma at:
h.ma.6@bham.ac.uk
The application should include:
- A current CV.
- A cover letter outlining:
- Research interests
- Relevant academic or research experience
- Motivation for applying to the PhD project
Prospective applicants may also contact Professor Ma for further information about the project and application process.
Application deadline: 24 October 2026
Expected start: 2027
https://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/DSJ570/phd-studentship-mitochondrial-dna-repair