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Website KingsCollegeLon King’s College London
Closing date: 28th February
Kings College London offers fully funded PhDs using genome data science and AI to discover therapeutic targets for disease.
Genome Data Science and AI for Therapeutic Target Discovery – King’s Prize Doctoral Programme
Human genetics is transforming our ability to uncover the true causes of disease, offering one of the most powerful routes to successful drug discovery. With advances in AI, multi-omics and large-scale data integration, researchers can now move beyond association to pinpoint causal biology and identify targets with real therapeutic potential. This approach is rapidly reshaping biomedical discovery and powering the next wave of innovation in human health.
Our mission is to train the next generation of researchers to harness human genetics, systems biology and A.I. to discover therapeutic targets through data-driven approaches, equipping them to modernise drug development and accelerate innovation in precision medicine
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for curious, motivated students who are excited by the challenge of uncovering the causal biology of disease. A passion for data-driven science is essential, and applicants should be keen to develop skills at the interface of human genetics, AI and therapeutic discovery. Some basic programming experience (e.g. R or Python) is helpful, but we welcome candidates from a range of scientific backgrounds and will provide training to help everyone succeed.
What we offer
- Fully funded 4 year studentships, including UKRI-rate stipend, home-rate tuition fees, research costs, and dedicated training support.
- World-class training in human genetics, data science, AI, multi-omics and systems biology, delivered through short courses, workshops and hands-on research.
- Multidisciplinary co-supervision from leading experts across genetics, computational biology, pharmacology, and translational science.
- Opportunities for industry collaboration, including long-term placements with pharmaceutical and biotechnology partners.
- Access to world-class datasets and infrastructure, including UK Biobank, Our Future Health and state-of-the-art bioinformatics resources.
- Comprehensive career development support, preparing students for roles in academia, industry, healthcare data science and beyond.
- An inclusive, supportive training environment, with a strong commitment to widening participation and personalised skills development.
How to Apply
Applications will open in early 2026, with PhD students starting in September 2026. Further details on the application process will be provided closer to the opening date.
PhD Projects
PhD Projects can be found in the project catalogue: see link below. The deadline for student applications is February 28, 2026.
gds-targetdiscovery-project-catalogue-2026Apply
Genome Data Science and AI for Therapeutic Target Discovery – King’s Prize Doctoral Programme is now taking applications for 2026/27 entry.
Successful candidates will receive a fully funded 4 year studentship, including:
- Tuition fees (Home or International).
- Stipend at UKRI rates (tax-free).
- Research support for consumables, travel, conferences, and training.
Eligibility:
- Applicants must hold, or expect to obtain, a 1st class or upper second-class degree in a relevant subject.
- Suitable backgrounds include, for example, biological and biomedical sciences (e.g. genetics, genomics, molecular biology), quantitative and computational disciplines (e.g. computer science, statistics, data science, artificial intelligence, mathematics), and related interdisciplinary fields (e.g. bioinformatics, computational biology, biomedical engineering).
- English Language Requirements: Band D (IELTS 6.5 overall, minimum 6.0 in each skill). Further information including exemptions can be found here: Postgraduate English language entry requirements | King’s College London
To Apply:
Please ensure you complete all required steps. Failure to follow these instructions by the application deadline will result in your application being considered incomplete and may not be processed:
Submit an online application to the “Genome Data Science for Therapeutic Target Discovery” programme via King’s Apply by Saturday 28th February 2026 23:59 GMT. Please provide the following information:
Education: Provide details of your current study and any previous study and upload scans of official transcripts and degree certificates. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents.
Employment and/or Research History: You may enter up to five examples of relevant employment or research experience. For employment history, briefly describe your role and highlight any responsibilities or experience relevant to this programme. For research experience (e.g. BSc/MSc projects, internships or placements), briefly describe the work undertaken and the skills developed that are relevant to this programme.
Personal Statement: This has two required components:
- Why you are interested in the programme (300 words maximum)
- List 3 indicative projects you are interested in
Curriculum Vitae: Please upload relevant CV (maximum 2 pages).
References: Provide contact details for two academic referees or relevant employers in research institutions/companies.
Please note: All references must be submitted by the application deadline. Once you submit your application, your referees will receive an email with instructions on how to provide their reference. Please allow them enough time to submit it before the deadline of 28th February. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure references are received in time.
Funding: Choose Option 5 “I am applying for a funding award or scholarship administered by King’s College London” and under “Award Scheme Code or Name” enter GDS2026
Next Steps:
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview. Interviews will be held in person and will take place in March 2026.
For any questions about the recruitment process please email us at GDS_Programme@kcl.ac.uk.
To apply for this job please visit www.kcl.ac.uk.
