Leverhulme Centre for Life in the Universe PhD Studentship, University of Cambridge
Job Description
Cambridge’s Leverhulme Centre for Life in the Universe is offering a fully funded four-year PhD studentship starting October 2027. Applications close on 8 December 2026.
At a glance
- Post: Leverhulme Centre for Life in the Universe PhD Studentship
- Where: Department of Physics, University of Cambridge
- Funding: a fully funded studentship; the advertisement states no stipend figure
- Reference: KA51068
- Apply by: 8 December 2026
Read the official University of Cambridge advertisement before you apply.
About the work
The successful candidate is based in one of the Centre’s participating departments and undertakes a project aligned with the Centre’s mission: a deeper understanding of life, its origins and its distribution through the Universe.
Projects contribute to one or more of the Centre’s core research questions. What chemical pathways could have led to the origins of life under conditions compatible with diverse planetary environments? How can we identify and characterise environments on Earth and beyond that may serve as cradles for prebiotic chemistry and life? What observational facilities, technologies and analytical methods will let us study them?
That spread, from prebiotic chemistry to telescope design, is unusual in a single centre and is what makes it interesting.
What you need
- A strong degree in physics, chemistry, earth sciences, astronomy or a related field
- The advertisement states the studentship is available for home (UK) students. If you are applying from outside the UK, check your eligibility with the Centre before you spend time on an application
- Read the official advertisement for the full entry requirements
Pay
The studentship is advertised as fully funded. The advertisement gives no figure, so confirm the stipend and fee cover with the department before you accept.
How to apply
Apply online through the Cambridge job page. Quote reference KA51068 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
Check this first. The University states that it has a responsibility to ensure all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK. If you are applying from outside the UK, read the visa position for this post before you spend time on the application.
Browse more research jobs on ResearchJobs.in, or search our Find a supervisor page.
Hiring institution: University of Cambridge
Official advertisement: www.jobs.cam.ac.uk
How to prepare for this application
- Check the home-student condition first. The advert states the studentship is available for home (UK) students, which rules out many international applicants.
- Pick a core question. Chemistry, environments or instrumentation. Each points at a different department.
- Quote the reference, KA51068. Cambridge asks for it on the form and in every email about the post.
- Check your right to work in the UK. Every Cambridge advert carries this condition, and it is the usual reason an overseas application stalls.
About the University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge was founded in 1209 and is one of the world's leading research universities. Its research posts are advertised centrally at jobs.cam.ac.uk, with each department running its own selection.