Chemical Biology

Our research in chemical biology bridges the gap between chemistry and biology to explore the molecular interactions that drive cellular processes, often focused on proteins. Living systems obey the laws of organic, inorganic and physical chemistry. By applying chemical tools and technology to study biological systems, we aim to uncover new insights into cellular mechanisms relevant to health and disease, drug discovery, and the development of innovative therapies to study and improve human health. TheInstitute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology (ISMIB)was established to integrate cutting-edge and clinical research across theFaculty of Health and Life Sciences. Programmes of work across ISMIB are varied and are led by world experts in their fields. Our chemical biology research is focused in theDepartment of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, which has excelled in teaching and research since 1902, when the world’s first Chair of Biochemistry was established in Liverpool. Our integration of biochemical research with systems-based studies, including multiomics, data analysis, structural biology, synthetic biology, and AI, makes us a global leader. This is further supported by top-tiershared research facilitiesand our commitment to sharing discoveries. We offer intensive PhD programmes with exposure to diverse technologies in chemical biology with close links to theDepartment of Pharmacology and Therapeuticsand theDepartment of Chemistry. Research is multidisciplinary, with strong collaborations across the Institute and wider University, spanning physical, chemical, and clinical sciences. Our PhD programmes are supported by world-class facilities, including theCentre for Genomic Research,Centre for Proteome Research, Centre for Metabolomics Research andComputational Biology Facility. Topics relevant to chemical biology include:

IELTS: 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5 TOEFL iBT: If you took a TOEFL test on or before 20 January 2026, you’ll need 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 17, writing 17, reading 17 and speaking 19. If you took a TOEFL test from 21 January 2026 onwards, when a new scoring system was introduced, you’ll need 4.5 overall, with 4 or above in all components. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted. Pearson PTE Academic: 61 overall, with no component below 59 Your most recent IELTS score: Pre-sessional English course length 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5: 6 weeks 5.5 overall, with no more than one component at 5.0: 10 weeks 5.5 overall, with no component below 5.0: 12 weeks 5.0 overall, with no component below 5.0: 20 weeks 5.0 overall, with no component below 4.5: 30 weeks 4.5 overall, with no more than one component at 4.0: 40 weeks

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5

International students: Full-time place, per year - £32,200; Part-time: £16,100

UK students: Full-time place, per year - £5,238; Part-time: £2,619

UK/Home: Full-time place, per year - £5,238; Part-time: £2,619

International: Full-time place, per year - £32,200; Part-time: £16,100

Year round

Rolling admissions - check project listing

• Liverpool, United Kingdom