PhD Studentship in Control and Engineering Biology
Explore interdisciplinary research at the intersection of synthetic biology, control engineering, AI, and robotics for scalable biotechnological solutions.
Best for:Best for interdisciplinary researchers with a strong background in engineering, biology, computer science, or mathematics, eager to contribute to scalable biotechnological innovations.
Overview
This 3.5-year D.Phil. studentship at the University of Oxford focuses on advancing synthetic biology, control engineering, AI, and robotics to address global biotechnology challenges. The project offers flexibility to develop expertise in areas such as microbial engineering, AI-driven biosystem design, or robotic control platforms. Candidates will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, including academic and industrial experts, under the EPSRC Programme Grant *EEBio*. The studentship covers full tuition fees for UK students and provides a competitive stipend, with potential flexibility for international applicants. Ideal for those aiming to build a career in academia, industry, or entrepreneurship.
What you'll do
- Develop and implement innovative approaches at the intersection of synthetic biology, control engineering, AI, and robotics to address global biotechnological challenges.
- Conduct research on genetically engineering microbes to alter their form and function, or design AI-driven methods for biosystem reliability.
- Design and build robotic platforms for automated experimental work and discovery.
- Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of academic and industrial experts to advance biotechnological applications.
- Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and present research at national and international conferences.
- Contribute to the broader goals of the EPSRC Programme Grant *EEBio* and engage with industrial and academic partners.
Requirements
Degree required: A first-class or strong upper-second-class (2:1) degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Computer Science, Physics, Biology/Biotechnology, Chemistry/Biochemistry, or Mathematics.
Degree offered: D.Phil. (Doctor of Philosophy)
Language: English; proficiency expected at a level suitable for academic research and communication
Instruction: English
- Excellent written and spoken English communication skills
- Strong academic background in relevant STEM disciplines
- Open to UK students for full award (home fees plus stipend)
- Potential flexibility for international students; contact supervisors for details
- No explicit age or prior experience caps
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-12-02 (Europe/London)
Candidates must submit a graduate application form through the University of Oxford’s portal and meet the graduate admissions criteria. Informal enquiries should be directed to the supervisors via email. Quote reference code **27ENGCO_HS** in all correspondence.
- CV
- Cover letter
- Graduate application form
- Transcripts of previous degrees
- Two reference letters
Contact
Harrison Steel and Antonis Papachristodoulou· Supervisors
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