PhD Studentship: Designing Plant Gene Expression with Explainable AI
Discover novel plant DNA design rules using explainable artificial intelligence and experimental genomics.
Best for:Best for candidates with a strong background in computer science or bioinformatics eager to apply AI to biological systems.
Overview
The Earlham Institute at the University of East Anglia invites applications for a 4-year PhD studentship focused on applying explainable AI to plant gene expression. Working within the AI for Biology group and alongside plant genomics and biofoundry experts, the successful candidate will build foundational AI models to discover regulatory DNA design rules. These computational models will be tested and validated using experimental potato protoplast assays. The project offers comprehensive training in AI methods, plant engineering biology, and FAIR data management within a world-class research environment.
What you'll do
- Develop and train large-scale foundation models and foundational AI methods for biological applications.
- Design and execute computational experiments to uncover plant DNA design rules.
- Collaborate with experimentalists to design compact libraries of cis-regulatory modules.
- Assemble and test regulatory modules using standard reporter systems and potato protoplast assays.
- Analyze successful and failed experimental designs to refine AI models and improve future design cycles.
- Manage project data following FAIR principles and develop reproducible software solutions.
Requirements
Degree required: Bachelors (Honours) 2:1 or UK equivalence
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6 in each category
Instruction: English
- Strong foundation in artificial intelligence or machine learning methods
- Programming and software development skills for reproducible computational research
- Ability to collaborate across interdisciplinary teams including experimental biologists and bioinformaticians
- Meet UK academic entry requirements (at least a 2:1 Bachelors Honours degree or equivalent)
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-30
Review the project details and entry requirements, then click the apply button to submit your application through the university postgraduate research portal.
- CV
- Academic transcripts
- Cover letter
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