The University of Oxford is offering a 3.5-year D.Phil. studentship in Control and Engineering Biology. This project focuses on the intersection of Synthetic Biology, Control Engineering, AI, and Robotics, addressing global challenges in biotechnology.
Successful candidates will develop a broad skillset in designing, engineering, and applying new biotechnologies, preparing them for careers in academia, bioscience industry, or entrepreneurship. The studentship integrates with the EPSRC Programme Grant “EEBio,” providing a multidisciplinary support network and collaboration opportunities.
Quick Facts
| Opportunity | PhD Position |
|---|---|
| Institution | University of Oxford |
| Location | Oxford, UK |
| Region | Europe |
| Open to | UK Students, EU Students, International Students (with flexibility) |
| Funding | Fully funded |
| Stipend / Salary | at least £21,805 p.a. (tax-free maintenance grant) |
| Duration | 3.5 years |
| Start date | October 2027 |
| Application deadline | 02 December 2026 |
About the Position
The research will tackle challenges in synthetic biology, control engineering, AI, and robotics, with applications across biotechnology. Approaches may include genetically engineering microbes, developing theoretical and AI methods for reliable biosystem design, or building robotic platforms for automated experimentation. Potential extensions involve applying these skills to directed evolution, protein engineering, or biomedical and environmental applications, particularly focusing on scale-up.
Eligibility
- A first-class or strong 2:1 degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Computer Science, Physics, Biology/Biotechnology, Chemistry/Biochemistry, or Mathematics.
- Excellent English written and spoken communication skills.
- Desirable expertise (not all required) in Microbiology, Bacteriology, Synthetic Biology; Applied Mathematics, Computer Science/AI, or Control Engineering; Biological laboratory skills; Programming / Software Engineering; Electrical Engineering and robotics prototyping.
Benefits
- Course fees covered at the UK student level (at least £10,940 p.a.)
- Tax-free stipend of at least £21,805 p.a. for 3.5 years
- Integration with the EPSRC Programme Grant “EEBio”
- Support from a multidisciplinary team of academic and industrial experts
- Opportunities for national and international collaboration with industrial and academic partners
Documents Required
Not specified in the official listing – check the source page.
How to Apply
- Informal enquiries are encouraged and can be addressed to Prof Harrison Steel (harrison.steel@eng.ox.ac.uk) and Prof Antonis Papachristodoulou (antonis@eng.ox.ac.uk).
- Candidates must submit a graduate application form and meet the graduate admissions criteria, details available via the 'Apply' button.
- Quote reference 27ENGCO_HS in all correspondence and in your graduate application.
Source: jobs.ac.uk PhD studentships.
Details can change – always confirm eligibility and deadline on the official listing before applying.
Featured image: Photo by Edward Jenner on Pexels
