LSI PhD Programme in Complex Living Systems
Modern scientific innovation involves the integration of diverse disciplines and the bridging of pure and application-oriented research. At the LSI we are training a new generation of scientists who are equipped to think and experiment beyond traditional boundaries using cutting-edge technologies and approaches.
You can apply to our PhD Programme via three routes: (i) direct application for an LSI-funded PhD studentship (covers fees, stipend, and training budget); (ii) application for a studentship funded by another source (e.g., UKRI, China Scholarship Council, national agencies) with an LSI supervisor; (iii) self-funding with an LSI supervisor.
Next application round for LSI PhD Stipends intake 2026/27 is open now.
Apply now
Deadline: 08.06.2026
Here are all projects:
- Investigating the role of ribosome hibernation and activation during cancer cell dormancy and relapse. Project Daum
Supervisors: Assoc. Prof Bertram Daum (LSI/Biosciences), Prof Steffen Scholpp (LSI/Biosciences), Assoc. Prof Ke Li (LSI/Computer Sciences).
- Forces in the Matrix: Developmental Biophysics Across Species. Harmansa Project
Supervisors: Dr Stefan Harmansa (LSI/Biosciences), Prof Steffen Scholpp (LSI/Biosciences).
- Designer proteins to rewire living systems. Harmer Project
Supervisors: Prof Nicholas Harmer (LSI/Biosciences), Dr Jonathan Phillips (LSI/Biosciences), Assoc. Prof Benjamin Housden (LSI/CBS), Prof Austin Smith (LSI/Biosciences).
- Exploiting receptor trade-offs in Pseudomonas aeruginosa to optimise phage therapy strategies. Gold Project
Supervisors: Assoc. Prof Vicki Gold (LSI/Biosciences), Prof Stineke van Houte (Biosciences Penryn).
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Causal Perturbation Prediction Across Diverse Cellular Contexts via Diffusion Language Models. Li Project
Supervisors: Assoc. Prof Ke Li (Computer Sciences), Krasimira Tsaneva-Atanasova (Maths), Anelia Horvath (George Washington University).
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Modelling the interactions of DNA-associated proteins that determine cell type. Moebius Project
Supervisors: Dr Wolfram Moebius (LSI/Physics), Prof Brian Hendrich (LSI/Biosciences).
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Protein Choreography of CRISPR/Cas9: How do genome editing enzymes move in order to function? Phillips Project
Supervisors: Dr Jonathan Phillips (LSI/Biosciences), Prof Marc Goodfellow (LSI/Maths); Dr Fabrice Gielen (LSI/Physics); Dr Remy Chait (Biosciences), Prof Jonathan West (Institute for Life Sciences Univ. Southampton); Prof. Eamonn Reading (School of Biological Sciences Univ. Southampton).
- From one stem cell to many fates: A single-cell epigenetic roadmap of planarian differentiation. Solana Project
Supervisors: Assoc. Prof Jordi Solana (LSI/Biosciences), and Prof Brian Hendrich (LSI/Biosciences), Dr Magda Strauss (Maths), Dr Sean Flynn (CBS)
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Orienting cell division in the developing fly embryo: a joint mathematical experimental approach. Wakefield Project
Apply now
All students are enrolled in the integrated LSI programme regardless of primary discipline or funding source. You will benefit from the broad range of opportunities and activities offered by the programme, including:
- Leading-edge research technologies and approaches, from quantum biology to brain function
- State-of-the-art laboratories and facilities in the recently built LSI
- Opportunity to formulate and modify your own project
- Cohort learning in interdisciplinary training modules and workshops
- Supervisors from different disciplines
- Advisory thesis committee to support you throughout the PhD
- Diverse and inclusive community of over 60 PhD students
- Peer-to-peer PhD student presentation and discussion sessions
- Future career preparation
Exeter is one of the fastest growing cities in the UK. It is situated in the South West of England which offers unmatched sports and leisure opportunities through several national parks and some of the best beaches in Europe.
We aim to recruit the best and most imaginative students from across the range of disciplines represented in LSI – Physics, Mathematics, Computational Science, Engineering, Biology and Medicine.
You will be motivated by scientific curiosity and be able and willing to “think outside of the box”. You should have a first or upper-second-class degree (or equivalent). Masters training can be an advantage but is not essential. However, you should have sufficient experience to demonstrate your capability for research work and aptitude for critical thinking.
Hear from our students
Emily Davis, 2nd Year PhD Student
I’ve really enjoyed my experience as a PhD student at the LSI so far. The building is modern and welcoming, and the facilities are fantastic. I’ve had the chance to try techniques that cross disciplines, which has really enhanced my project. We also have weekly seminars from both internal and external speakers, offering great insight into the diversity of research happening here and often sparking new ideas. There are plenty of places to meet other students or researchers for lunch, or to venture out into the campus to get coffee. I feel very lucky to be conducting my research in this institute.
Antonio Fusciardi
As a Second year PhD student working in the Living Systems Institute has been an amazing experience both academically but also socially. As a hub of scientific achievements making advancements in biological, mathematical, and chemical frontiers, I am incredibly grateful to be a part of this community. One of the greatest strengths the LSI has displayed is its incredible social atmosphere, which encourages collaborations with researchers across the fields, in turn generating possibilities for new research projects at an incredible rate. Additionally, the opportunities afforded to be to present my work to my peers and generate useful feedback which in turn guides the direction of my project has been invaluable to me.
Alessia Caccamo, Third Year PhD Student
Studying at the LSI has been a truly unique experience, shaped by the breadth of research disciplines and the countless opportunities to expand the horizons of curiosity and knowledge. At the LSI there is always someone to share a laugh with, someone who understands you, and someone genuinely interested in your work. Chances to engage are everywhere: whether it is presenting your own work, attending events that showcase inspiring research, or helping to bring those events to life. Organising PhD Day, a student-led conference, has been one of the most rewarding experiences for me: reconnecting with a scientist I deeply admire and inviting them to deliver the keynote transformed the event into something very meaningful. After all, it's the sense of connection that truly matters. Connection to others, and most importantly, connection to your passion.
Keith Harrison
The LSI's monthly PhD seminars provide an excellent platform for sharing research and receiving feedback from peers across different life sciences disciplines. Being part of the institute offers a strong community identity while maintaining close collaborative relationships with other departments, creating an ideal balance between focused support and broader academic connections.
One significant advantage is the access to additional funding opportunities specifically available to LSI students, which can support conference attendance. The institute's structure also means that expertise in virtually any technique is available within the building - if you need advice on a specific method or approach, there's almost always someone nearby who specialises in it. This concentrated expertise, combined with the interdisciplinary environment, removes many of the usual barriers to trying new techniques or exploring different research directions. The setup genuinely facilitates collaboration and skill development without the isolation that is common in PhD research.
Self-funded applications
For self-funded applicants, please contact your preferred supervisor and additionally the LSI Director of Postgraduate Research, Professor Steve West (s.west@exeter.ac.uk.)In your message, please state your motivation for carrying out PhD research, why you are applying to our interdisciplinary programme, why you have chosen your selected supervisor/project, and your source of funding for fees, living costs and research training. Self-funded applicants will be subject to an equivalent selection process as applicants for funded positions.
If you have any inquiries, please contact the Director of Postgraduate Research (LSI), Steven West: s.west@exeter.ac.uk