Postgraduate research
FGx-DLA – PhD training in the next generation of functional genomics
The UK Human Functional Genomics Doctoral Landscape Award (FGx-DLA) is a national PhD programme, primarily funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC), that will train researchers to understand how genetic variation influences human biology, health and disease.
Bringing together leading UK universities, NHS organisations, industry partners and national research infrastructure the programme offers interdisciplinary 4-year PhD projects spanning experimental and computational functional genomics.
Whether your interests lie in genetics, computational biology, AI, bioinformatics, molecular biology or translational medicine, you’ll join a collaborative national community tackling major challenges in human health.
Why Choose the DLA?
A PhD through the FGx-DLA offers more than an individual research project. Students become part of a national cohort with access to expertise, technologies and training across the UK Human Functional Genomics Initiative.
The FGx-DLA combines 4-year fully funded doctoral training (subject to award terms), interdisciplinary supervision, cohort activities, access to world-class facilities, AI and data science training, professional development and opportunities to engage with NHS and industry partners. You will get the opportunity to undertake training across our institutions and become part of an expanding network of functional genomics scientists.
About the Programme
The UK Human Functional Genomics Initiative is a national research programme accelerating the use of functional genomics to understand human biology and disease. Students will be based across the six core institutions involved in the UK Human Functional Genomics Initiative (Exeter, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Imperial, King’s and Oxford) with training delivered through interdisciplinary, often inter-institutional, supervisory teams rather than single laboratories.
The FGx-DLA has been created to develop future research leaders through outstanding PhD projects, shared training and collaboration across institutions. Students will undertake ambitious PhD projects while participating in shared training, scientific meetings, networking and collaborative activities across the wider FGx community.
Why Functional Genomics?
Functional genomics seeks to understand the mechanisms by which disease-associated genetic variation contributes to health and disease. By combining genetics with approaches including genome editing, single-cell and spatial technologies, epigenomics, transcriptomics, high-throughput perturbation, computational biology and artificial intelligence, functional genomics can uncover the biological mechanisms that drive disease and identify new opportunities for diagnosis, prevention and treatment.
Eligibility
Applicants will hold, or be predicted to obtain, a minimum 2:1 Honours degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant discipline. Funding is expected to follow UKRI Home fee eligibility guidance. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and are committed to an inclusive recruitment process with reasonable adjustments where required.
How to apply
IMPORTANT: This is a two-stage application process. Please ensure that you have read the entry requirements for the programme to which you are applying before submitting your application.
View the project directory here
Please complete both of the following steps:
- Submit your programme application
To apply for a project, please use the APPLY HERE link. You will be provided with a Student Applicant ID number as part of the application process. Please make a note of this number, as you will need it to complete Step 2.
- Complete the Student Application Questionnaire
Once you have submitted your programme application, please complete the Student Application Questionnaire. You will need to provide your Student Applicant ID number when completing the questionnaire. Student Application Questionnaire – Fill in form
Both stages must be completed for your application to be considered.
International applicants:
Please review the information below to identify any additional international fee contribution that you would be required to pay if offered a studentship, as this is not covered by the UKRI funding.
Please note these fees differ across the six institutions. The following institutions do not require international students to supplement the UKRI funding: University of Exeter, King’s College London, University of Cambridge, and University of Oxford
For International fees at Imperial College London please see here:
https://www.imperial.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/postgraduate-doctoral/
For International fees at the University of Edinburgh please see here:
https://registryservices.ed.ac.uk/tuition-fees/find/postgraduate-research
Training
Students will benefit from cohort-based training covering functional genomics, statistics, bioinformatics, AI and machine learning, research integrity, leadership, public engagement and career development, alongside networking and annual scientific meetings. Students will also have opportunities to engage with researchers and facilities across the wider FGx network, creating connections that extend beyond their immediate supervisory team and institution.