NorthWest Biosciences

APPLICATION PROCESS

1. APPLICANTS MUST COMPLETE A BBSRC NORTHWESTBIO ONLINE RECRUITMENT FORM. FOR INITIAL APPLICATION, THIS IS THE ONLY FORM THAT NEEDS TO BE COMPLETED.

2. These forms will then be reviewed for shortlisting after the closing date, which will be a blinded shortlisting process***. Following this, successful candidates will be advised that they can move to the next stage of the recruitment process which is to complete an application through our application portal. These candidates will be further shortlisted for interviews. 

3. Based on this form, candidates will go through an initial shortlisting process. Candidates selected will be invited to complete a full application by 23rd January 2026, including the upload of supporting documentation.

4. These candidates will go through a further shortlisting with successful candidates being invited to interview on w/c 16th March 2026. At interview, applicants will be asked to give a brief presentation about their experience and how it provides a strong fit for the programme. They will also be asked questions standardised across panels from each Institution. 

***Blinded shortlisting is a step taken by the University of Glasgow MVLS DTP team to ensure that candidates are assessed with no unconscious bias. Therefore, no person information (gender, nationality etc) will be seen by academic reviewers. Candidates will however note that this information is requested at the end of the form. This is purely for administration purposes to identify candidates and collate figures - this information will be fully removed before review. 

POINTS TO NOTE 

• Applicants can apply for up to three projects in different institutions. Only one candidate per research project will be recruited. 

• Project supervisory teams will be the primary reviewers at initial shortlisting and, following initial shortlisting, they will asked to put forward their top choice candidates and reserve candidates. PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS DOES NOT MEAN SUPERVISORS HAVE TO APPROVE APPLYING CANDIDATES PRIOR TO APPLICATION. There is no need to approach supervisors ahead of applying unless you wish to and we would advise that you do.
• Please note that applications will be considered for the programme in general and not for individual projects, with all applicants being in open competition for programme entry. 
• If applicants are shortlisted for more than one project, they will be asked to indicate which project they prefer and will then be interviewed for that project.

Applicants must meet Eligibility criteria to apply. 

APPLY HERE

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Friday 21st November 2025.

The studentship provides funding for tuition fees, a stipend and laboratory expenses for both Home/*International applicants (see Eligibility section).

The BBSRC NWB grant provides tuition fees and stipend of at least £20,780 for 2025/26.

PLEASE NOTE THAT WE ARE UNABLE TO SUPPORT VISA AND INTERNATIONAL IMMIGRATION SURCHARGE COSTS AS A PROGRAMME OR AS AN INSTITUTION. International applicants must be able to cover these costs independantly.

Applicants must have obtained or be about to obtain a first or upper second class UK honours degree, or the international equivalent in an appropriate area of science.

We are able to accept applications from international students, with international student places making up 30% of our cohort each year.

To be classed as a home student, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Be a UK National (meeting residency requirements), or
• Have settled status, or
• Have pre-settled status (meeting residency requirements), or
• Have indefinite leave to remain or enter

All other candidates will be classed as an International student.

All successful candidates (Home or International) will receive full tuition and stipend support. Please note that we are unable to provide supporting costs for visas or International Health Surcharge for any student. If selected, by attending the interview, candidates are confirming that they are able to cover these costs independantly. 

For candidates who are selected following the shortlisting of their NorthWestBio Recruitment Form, you will be asked to complete a full application through our application portal (links will be sent to successful candidates), as well as uploading the following documentation: 

• CV/Resume

• Degree certificate (if you have graduated prior to 1 July 2025)

• Academic transcript

• Passport (a scan of the photo page)

• Personal statement. State your motivation for selecting this programme and explain how completion of the programme will aid the development of your career. The statement should include information relating to research projects in which you have been involved, along with any other relevant information you wish to emphasise (previous academic, professional or voluntary experience, projects, placements, etc.). The statement should be no longer than one A4 page. NOTE: if applying to more than one  project, please only submit one statement, outlining your motivation for applying to each project (if applicable).  

You are not required to upload a research proposal for this programme, despite the online application stating this.

• Details of referee 1 (should be from an academic who has a knowledge of your academic ability from your most recent study/programme)

• Details of referee 2 (should be from an academic who has a knowledge of your academic ability)

English language proficiency
All non-UK candidates whose first language is not English must provide a certificate of proficiency in the English Language before they are able to matriculate at the University of Glasgow: https://www.gla.ac.uk/international/englishlanguage/requirements/ (details in the section: College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences). Note: it is only necessary to provide evidence of English language proficiency if you are offered a place on the Programme, in order to meet University of Glasgow matriculation requirements. Evidence of English language proficiency is not required at the point of application.

PROGRAMME TIMELINE

• 30th September 2025: Recruitment for 2026 candidates goes live.
• 21^st November: Candidate Application deadline.
• 22nd November - 30th November: Applications downloaded and organised by project.
• 1^st – 17^th December 2025: Blinded Applications sent to supervisors for scoring.
• 19th December 2025: Shortlisted candidates invited to complete full application with supporting documentation. 
• 23^rd January 2026: Full application candidate deadline
• 30^th January: Applications sent to supervisors to select top and reserve candidates for interview.
• w/c 23rd: Shortlisted candidates invited for interview. 
• w/c 16^th March 2026: NWB Coordinating Committee Panels will interview selected candidates
• Late March 2026: Confirmation of offers