Xi’an Jiaotong – Liverpool University (XJTLU) is a new international university jointly founded by Xi’an Jiaotong University China and the University of Liverpool UK as a joint venture. As an independent Sino-Foreign cooperative university, it captures the essence of both prestigious parent universities and is the first and only one of its kind approved by the Ministry of Education in China.

The University offers undergraduate degree programmes in the fields of science, engineering and management, and awards both its own Chinese degree and a degree from the University of Liverpool.

• IMPORTANT BEFORE SUBMITTING AN ONLINE APPLICATION: All PhD applicants are strongly encouraged to contact/identify a potential Supervisor and prepare a research proposal before submitting an online application.

Overview

• The PhD in Biological Sciences gives suitably qualified graduates the chance to address important biological questions. Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University offers students state-of-the-art facilities and the supervision of academic staff who have trained in internationally renowned laboratories. Importantly, the programme also equips graduates with a range of professional skills to maximise future employability.

• Pursuing a full-time PhD typically involves three years of conducting research and one year of writing a thesis, supported by subject-specific and general skills training and development. A full-time PhD student must submit their thesis within four years (or six years for part-time PhD students).

• The programme will be managed through collaboration between XJTLU and the University of Liverpool. Upon successful completion of the programme, you will receive a degree from the University of Liverpool, which is recognised by China’s Ministry of Education.

Why should I do my PhD in Biological Sciences at XJTLU?

Key benefits of this PhD programme:

• • We provide high calibre, discipline-specific training to equip students with advanced knowledge and research skills that are relevant to both academia and the biotechnology sector;
• • The PhD degree is awarded by the University of Liverpool in the UK. The degree is recognised by the UK Department of Education as well as China’s Ministry of Education;
• • As a registered full-time PhD student, you have the opportunity to apply for a research visit to the University of Liverpool for up to six months. Your accommodation and travel costs will be covered by XJTLU and the University of Liverpool;
• • XJTLU provides every registered PhD student with a conference fund of up to 16,500 RMB. The purpose of this fund is to support students’ academic experience, encourage the dissemination of research, and enhance XJTLU’s research profile nationally and internationally; and
• • The training takes advantage of XJTLU’s international and vibrant research environment to prepare graduates for careers in the life sciences.

Career opportunities

• Suzhou is a major biomedical area in China. BioBay, a national biotechnology hub with over 400 companies, is located within walking distance of the University, while nearby Cold Spring Harbor Asia hosts prestigious scientific symposia and conferences with world-famous researchers. XJTLU operates in a rich and diverse bioscience ecosystem that combines a strong demand for bioscientists with major opportunities for high calibre research.

• Our academic staff also have successful ongoing collaborations with various local and major international companies, including Eli Lilly and Company, Novartis and Unilever plc.

PhD in Biological Sciences research areas:

• • cancer biology
• • cell signalling
• • molecular microbiology
• • neuroscience
• • proteomics
• • structural biology
• • bioinformatics

Research environment and facilities

• Research undertaken during the PhD programme in Biological Sciences focuses on molecular bioscience, with applications in biomedical, agricultural and environmental sciences. It also supports the key research priorities of Suzhou Industrial Park, focussing on applications in biotechnology and bioengineering.

• XJTLU has state-of-the-art labs and world-class research facilities. Our studies are carried out in custom-designed laboratories with high calibre technical staff.

Industry-sponsored and jointly supervised PhD projects

The University has extensive research collaborations with industry partners. Opportunities are available for candidates to undertake an Enterprise Entrusted PhD Project funded by our industrial partners in one of the following research areas:

• • biostatistics
• • bioinformatics
• • toxicology
• • epidemiology
• • nanomedicine
• • omics technology
• • carcinogenesis
• • drug safety evaluation
• • mechanisms of drug metabolism
• • artificial intelligence in drug design
• • biomarker discovery and applications
• • discovery and validation of new drug targets

For these projects, you will be jointly supervised by a team of academic staff members from both the XJTLU Academy of Pharmacy and the University of Liverpool, as well as an industry honorary professor from a related enterprise who will provide guidance on research topics as well as future career possibilities.

Potential supervisors

• Find out potential supervisors from:

• XJTLU Wisdom Lake Academy of Pharmacy.

• School of Science – Department of Biological Sciences.

Why Choose XJTLU?

• Two Degrees: 1 from the University of Liverpool & 1 from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (Bachelor's students)
• The University of Liverpool degree (Master's and PhD students)
• All degree courses are taught 100% in English.
• No knowledge of the Chinese language is required to apply to XJTLU.
• Learn free of charge Chinese alongside your course.
• A friendly international community.
• International Opportunities: "2+2" study route to the University of Liverpool, UK for undergraduate students (more than 3,500 XJTLU students are now studying at the University of Liverpool, UK through "2+2")
• International Opportunities: Wide range of study abroad opportunities in partner institutions in Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, the UK, the USA, South Korea, Russia, etc.
• International Opportunities: Partnerships with multinational companies in the likes of HSBC, Standard Chartered, Siemens, KPMG, Alstom, Schneider, ICBC, etc.

About Suzhou

You have the opportunity to live in one of the most culturally rich areas of China, with Suzhou’s UNESCO World Heritage gardens and canals famous around the world.

Suzhou combines its rich 2,500-year-old history with a drive to become one of the most modern cities in China. It has a population of more than six million and a GDP of a trillion RMB – far larger than those of many entire countries!

Alongside its beautiful tourist spots, Suzhou has many excellent learning resources and sports facilities, a great choice of shopping malls, cinemas and restaurants, and a variety of bars and nightclubs.

Today, the city’s canals, stone bridges, pagodas, and meticulously designed gardens have contributed to its status as one of the top tourist attractions in China. The classical gardens in Suzhou were added to the list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1997 and 2000.

Suzhou is located in the southeast of Jiangsu Province in eastern China. Within Suzhou is Suzhou Industrial Park, one of the most competitive development zones in China. This area also contains the Suzhou Dushu Lake Science and Education Innovation District (home to XJTLU), which sits beside Dushu Lake, one of two lakes in SIP.

Central Shanghai can be reached from Suzhou in just 30 minutes by high-speed train.

Library

XJTLU students have access to a wide range of library resources, from books and journals to electronic databases and articles. The library plays a key role as a research support and learning centre for the University, developing its collection by focusing on subject development and research requirements.

The library currently holds over 500,000 books, which are added to and updated throughout the year in response to requests from academic departments. It provides 22,000 square metres of space, housing 300 PCs and 2,500 seats for studying, discussion and computer and studio work.

Campuses

North Campus

Full of striking, architecturally impressive buildings, our North Campus provides state-of-the art teaching, laboratory, research and support facilities. This includes the award-winning and iconic Central Building, which houses our library.

The campus also has sports facilities, world class-fully equipped science and engineering laboratories, International Business School Suzhou, and design studios, as well as a variety of catering facilities, including Subway, Pacific Coffee Company, and many canteen-style fast-food options.

Landscaped gardens complement pieces of modern art to create a campus environment that has become one of the striking features of Suzhou Industrial Park.

South Campus

The first phase of our South Campus was opened to the public on 26 July 2016, as a major part of the University’s 10th anniversary celebrations.

Architecturally it contrasts our North Campus and features modern designs that complement the surrounding area. Eventually, the South Campus will satisfy the learning and teaching needs of approximately 6,000 XJTLU students as well as the University’s academic exchanges and research development plans. It will consist of eight buildings and be developed over two further phases:

Phase II: International Business School Suzhou at XJTLU

This phase will see the completion of a new building for International Business School Suzhou, set to open by the end of 2017.

PHASE III: XJTLU-GF School of Film and Television Arts and XJTLU Gym

Phase III consists of two buildings – the construction of the XJTLU-GF School of Film and Television Arts and a gym. Both buildings are expected to open by the end of 2018. The development of the School, in collaboration with financial services provider Gold Finance Group, is a significant part of XJTLU’s academic development strategy. It will mix digital media arts and film and television production and technology with performance and acting. The gym will provide improved and diversified sports facilities for students and staff on campus.

Living in University

When you come to XJTLU, you will have the opportunity to try a whole range of different sports and activities as well as developing any existing skills you already have.

Student clubs and societies

Student clubs and societies play an important part of student life. XJTLU has many organisations with themes such as art, sports, music, entrepreneurship, dance to name but a few. Some of the more established groups include a Model United Nations and the Student Union.

Another society, Intercom, provides a platform for all international students to arrange activities and events, and share ideas and experiences with the wider student body.

Catering

3 canteens, 3 coffee shops, Bar, Restaurants

Sports 

Currently, 21 sports are offered through PE classes at XJTLU, including badminton, basketball, belly dancing, billiards, boxing, bridge, Chinese martial arts, football, free combat, body building, golf, popping, roller-skating, sport dancing, table tennis, taekwondo, tai chi, tai chi sword, tennis, Ultimate Frisbee and yoga.

We have outside sport facilities that include basketball and tennis courts as well as indoor facilities, such as a golf training venue, gym, dance room, and table tennis room. There is also a football field located next to the new South Campus.