Research Studentship in Tidal Stream Energy

4 year D.Phil. studentship (up to 7 available)

Project: Engineering Biology

Supervisors: Multiple 

Engineering Biology applies engineering principles to biology and aims to exploit our synthetic biology knowledge to drive the bioeconomy. The EPSRC & BBSRC Engineering Biology Centre for Doctoral Training (EngBioCDT) provides bespoke cohort-based training with a focus on how synthetic biology concepts and technologies can be translated into products with real-world impact. 

This course is run jointly between the University of Bristol and the University of Oxford, and this advert invites applications to Oxford University.

After training in the fundamentals of mathematics, biology, engineering and computing, and undertaking team-based problem-solving projects, you will complete two short research projects, one of which will develop into your substantive DPhil project. 

Throughout the four years of the programme, there will be bespoke training in innovation and commercialisation, responsible innovation, EDI and bioethics, and career development.  

Each year, a summer school will take place in June/July which will include talks from engineering biology leaders, pitches from the innovation in engineering biology projects, and outreach projects.  

Through close links with our industrial partners, and activities such as industrial placements, mentorship and translational training, the CDT will empower students to deliver EngBio solutions to real-world applications through skills and knowledge training. 

Programme structure at a glance  

The first year of the programme will be divided into three segments.   

The first segment will begin with induction weeks in both Bristol and Oxford. You will then receive around four weeks of foundation training in Oxford. Students with a background in life sciences or engineering/physical sciences will receive foundation training in engineering or biology, respectively.  

This will be followed by six weeks of specialised training in engineering biology topics, techniques and challenges in Bristol. At the end of this first segment, you will typically attend a retreat for innovation in engineering biology group projects.   

During the first four weeks of the second segment, you will work on your innovation in engineering biology group projects. This will be followed by the first of two individual short research projects.  

Segment three will comprise the second of these research projects and a summer school. Research will aim to align with four major focus areas:  

• Robust methods for bioengineering;  
• Rational biomolecular and biosystems design;  
• Evolution-guided biodesign;  
• Digital cells and AI.  

Potential collaborative research projects will be offered by both the University of Bristol and the University of Oxford. Short projects and substantive DPhil studies in collaboration with our industry partners are also encouraged.   

One of the two short research projects will typically develop into the substantive DPhil project which you will work on throughout years two to four.  

Entry requirements  

We welcome applications from candidates who aspire to work in a multidisciplinary field.  

As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the following UK qualifications or their international equivalent: a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in engineering, biology, biochemistry, chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science, medicine or related disciplines.  

Funding  

The EngBio CDT is part of the TechExpert pilot offering stipends of £31,000 for students eligible for home fee status. 

Join us and help grow the UK’s national capability in engineering biology, part of the UK’s modern industrial strategy. Everyone is welcome if you are passionate about synthetic biology concepts and technologies and looking to develop your research and innovation skills at doctoral level to further your career at the confluence of Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, AI and Data Science. 

How to apply:  

The deadline for applying to Oxford is 12pm midday UK time on Thursday 8^th January 2026. Further details can be found on our website.

Eligibility  

The TechExpert pilot is open to home fee status students only. If international fee status applicants are offered a CDT studentship, the stipend provided by the CDT will remain at the UKRI minimum.

Award Value 

We expect that the majority of applicants who are offered a place on this course will also be offered a fully funded scholarship specific to this course, covering course fees for the duration of their course and a living stipend. 

The EngBio CDT is now part of the TechExpert pilot, offering stipends of £31,000 for students eligible for home fee status. The pilot is not applicable to applicants with an international or overseas fee status. If international fee status applicants are offered a CDT studentship, the stipend provided by the CDT will remain at the UKRI minimum.

Course fees are covered at the level set for Home students c. £10,470 p.a. The stipend (tax-free maintenance grant) for those not eligible for the TechExpert pilot is c. £20,780 p.a. for the first year, and at least this amount for a further three years. 

Candidate Requirements  

Prospective candidates will be judged according to how well they meet the following criteria: 

• A first class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent) in Engineering, Biology, Biochemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Medicine, or related disciplines  
• Excellent English written and spoken communication skills 

Other qualifications, evidence of excellence and relevant experience: 

• Experience of, and an interest in, interdisciplinary research 
• Experience of research projects involving modelling, wet lab research or ideally a combination of the two 
• A publication record commensurate with the opportunities and experience of the applicant is expected 

Application Procedure 

The deadline for applying to Oxford is 12pm midday UK time on 8^th January 2026. Further details can be found on our website.

Candidates must submit a graduate application form and are expected to meet the graduate admissions criteria.  Details are available on the course page of the University website. 

Start date: September 2026