A flexible Multidisciplinary Training Programme to help you reach your full potential: 0+4 PhD Studentship pathway, with compulsory training elements in year 1

Award details

This program allows for an exciting first year filled with training elements to set you on the path to success. This unique approach allows you to participate in two rotation projects across different research groups of the Roger Williams Institute of Liver Studies during the first six months, providing invaluable exposure to a variety of disciplines.

At the conclusion of the second rotation, you will have the chance to select your final PhD project through a collaborative process with your supervisor, following mutual consent, ensuring a perfect fit for your research interests.

We offer world-class scientific training, provided in a flexible, student-led fashion. As a part of our comprehensive training program, you will engage in courses focused on transferable research skills through King’s Doctoral College, including both live and online training sessions, alongside dedicated one-to-one support.

Overview

Students apply to the programme rather than to specific Faculty members and spend the first six months of the programme undertaking two rotation projects in different research groups, in alignment with the research themes of the Roger Williams Institute of Liver Studies (RW-ILS). This ensures exposure to different disciplines and allows students to gain a better overall picture of the Institute and the different opportunities that are available.

At the end of each rotation students are required to give a 10 minute presentation on the project at the Institute’s Seminar Series and write a short (1500-2000 word) report for formative assessment.

Selection of the final PhD project and group is not limited to the rotation selections and will be by mutual consent between the student and supervisor and takes place towards the end of the 2nd rotation period. Final project allocation will be agreed after discussion with the programme lead, selected supervisors and students. A project proposal will need to be submitted by the student, with the support of the selected supervisors and will be reviewed by a RW-ILS panel before proceeding.

Monitoring of each student’s progress will be achieved through the submission of their first-year report, their third year thesis plan, and by thesis committee meetings which take place every 6 months. During their PhD, students are expected to attend training courses in transferable and general research skills, present their work regularly and attend seminars (including SIMS seminars).

Supervision and scientific advisory board

Each student has a primary PhD supervisor from within the RW-ILS who provides day-to-day supervision of their research. Additional supervisors can be selected from within KCL. All students have access to an internal mentor, as well as 

mentoring programmes led by KCL and the Student Union. It is expected that students and their work will be predominantly based in the Roger Williams Building.

The thesis committee, which consists of an independent chair, the supervisors and selected thesis experts, primarily serves as a scientific advisory board for the student throughout their PhD work. Its function is to offer comments, advice and support to the student in order to ensure that the thesis can be completed in an appropriate time frame and with the best possible output. In addition to the student’s own research group, the thesis committee provides an independent forum for scientific discussion.

Students are expected to complete their research and submit their thesis within the 4-year time frame of the award.

Training opportunities

We offer world-class scientific training, provided in a flexible, student-led fashion. Students on our 4-year PhD Programme are expected to attend training courses in transferable and general research skills. Through King’s Doctoral College, the funded students will have access to:

• Extensive range of live courses
• Suite of online, on demand training
• Dedicated one-to-one support in key areas.

This comprehensive programme of support pinpoints and tackles the training and development needs of students, setting them up for success in their future career. All activities are arranged into eight key doctoral development themes.

There is also a weekly Seminar Series on site which all students are expected to attend and present. Also, students have the opportunity to meet and have informal discussions over lunch with speakers in the Seminar Series. In addition, relevant seminar programmes within the University are widely advertised, and students are encouraged to attend.

All students will have the opportunity to present their work regularly to their group. In addition, students are encouraged to present their work at both national and international scientific meetings, allowing for networking and communication skills development.

Notes

This studentship is funded by the Foundation for Liver Research and the successful applicant will be based at the Roger Williams Institute of Liver Studies, Denmark Hill campus, London SE5 9NT. The studentship will include stipend, tuition fees (UK rate) and an annual consumable budget

Award value

This PhD programme, funded by the Foundation for Liver Research, offers:

• A stipend aligned with standard UKRI rates (to be reviewed annually), currently £22,780 per annum, including London weighting.
• UK ‘Home’ rate KCL PhD Tuition Fees
• A minimum standard consumables budget of £7000 per year.

Duration: 48 months

Eligibility criteria

• Have (or expect to have by 30 September 2025) a postgraduate master’s degree or a first/upper second-class honours degree (2:1) or an equivalent overseas qualification. A 2:2 degree may be considered only where applicants also offer a Master's degree with Merit or above.
• Be eligible for “Home fees” (in accordance with the KCL criteria)

• Meet the English language requirements at Language Band D

Application process

Please submit the following documents:

1. An up-to-date CV
2. A supporting personal statement explaining your background, motivation and suitability (max 300 words)
3. Two reference letters (at least one academic)

Your application form will be viewed by a recruitment panel and you will be informed regarding the outcome in due time.

Selection will consist of a two-stage interview process. If you are invited to interview, you will receive instructions on when this will take place and the format of the interview.

Please apply via https://apply.kcl.ac.uk/

• Register a new account and login.
• Open a new application selecting a preferred entry date in accordance with the advert
• Search for the programme …

Immunology and Microbial Science Research MPhil/PhD Full Time

• Complete and submit your application including the following:
  • Include a supporting personal statement explaining your background, motivation and suitability (max 300 words)
  • 2 References (At least one academic)
  • CV
  • Indicate the supervisor’s name and project title when prompted during the application.
• For funding, please select option 5 and type the Award scheme name: FLR2526

Once you have applied you will need to follow admissions’ instructions and return their requested documents before your application can be passed to the school’s operations officer (education) for processing. Eligible candidates will be shortlisted and selected for a formal interview.

Your application form will be viewed by a recruitment panel and you will be informed regarding the outcome in due time.

Please note, that the applications portal deadlines are for admissions to receive applications only and are separate to the closing date stated on this advert.

For questions about the studentship, please email SIMS-Student_Queries@kcl.ac.uk.

Selection process

Selection will consist of a two-stage interview process. If you are invited to interview, you will receive instructions on when this will take place and the format of the interview.