At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage in groundbreaking research across biology, chemistry, and AI with real-world impact.
- Company: The Rosalind Franklin Institute, a leading UK life sciences technology development hub.
- Benefits: Fully funded PhD programme, tax-free stipend, advanced training, and access to state-of-the-art facilities.
- Other info: Unique opportunity for personal growth and career advancement in a dynamic research environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of science while collaborating with top universities and global companies.
- Qualifications: Strong background in relevant disciplines and passion for interdisciplinary research.
The predicted salary is between 18000 - 25000 £ per year.
The Rosalind Franklin Institute (The Franklin) is the national institute for technology development for the life sciences in the UK - funded by the government through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The principal goal is to bring about transformative changes in technologies which will allow us to see the biological world in new ways: from single molecules to entire organoids. The insights generated will speed up drug design and development and push forward our understanding of human health and disease.
As a Franklin PhD student you will:
- Work on highly interdisciplinary projects with real-world impact
- Be guided by world-leading supervisors
- Access state-of-the-art facilities and industrial collaborations
- Connect with top universities across the UK
We currently have 1 position available for a home candidate. We are inviting applications for our final available PhD position for a project aligned with one of the four challenge areas below. We welcome applications from students who are excited to work across disciplines and contribute to cutting-edge research at the interface of biology, chemistry, imaging, computation, and AI.
Molecular Perturbations: Chemistry Engineering Biology
Criteria: A strong background in chemistry, biochemistry or related disciplines with passion to design and apply molecular tools to probe biological function. Successful candidates will combine excellent experimental laboratory skills with an interest in working alongside advanced computational and analytical technologies. Experience in interdisciplinary research and collaborative science is highly desirable.
Multidimensional Imaging
Criteria: A strong background in physics, mathematics, engineering or related quantitative disciplines with an interest in developing next-generation transmission electron microscopy methods for biological research. Successful candidates will have an interest in high-resolution imaging, phase retrieval, image reconstruction, inverse problems, and scalable computational approaches for analysing large microscopy datasets. Experience in electron microscopy, quantitative methods, and interdisciplinary collaboration is highly desirable.
Quantitative Biology Across Scales
Criteria: A strong background in biology, imaging, computer science or related disciplines with a passion for developing and applying advanced imaging and computational approaches to address fundamental questions in biology and women's health. Successful candidates may have experience in electron or X-ray microscopy, image analysis, AI and machine learning, quantitative data science or computational modelling. They will be able to work across experimental and computational teams to extract biological insight from multimodal imaging datasets.
Artificial Intelligence and Informatics for Predictive Biology
Criteria: A strong background in biology or a quantitative discipline, such as physics, engineering or applied mathematics, with expertise in programming and an interest in developing AI-driven computational tools for biological data analysis. Successful candidates will have experience in AI and machine learning, image analysis, Linux-based high-performance computing and scalable data pipeline development. They will be motivated to build reproducible, open-source computational tools and collaborate across experimental and computational research teams to transform complex biological datasets into meaningful insights.
You are not required to submit a research proposal but will need to detail why you would like a studentship in the chosen Franklin Challenge.
What the Franklin PhD Programme Offers:
- A unique research-focused environment, plus collaborations with leading universities and global companies
- Access to brand-new labs and industrial partnerships
- Advanced interdisciplinary skills training
- A wide choice of projects tailored to your interests
- A generous, tax-free stipend and additional benefits
- Individual mentoring and support
- Free membership in Oxford college student societies (note: no Oxford registration or accommodation included)
This is a fully funded four-year programme designed to equip you with the skills, networks and experience to shape the future of science.
Application Deadlines:
Final Deadline for applications: 14 August 2026
For questions check our FAQ or contact us at training@rfi.ac.uk. Please also review our Candidate Privacy Policy. We look forward to hearing about your skills, experiences and motivation to join us. Good luck!
PhD Programme Studentship (10403) employer: The Rosalind Franklin Institute
The Rosalind Franklin Institute is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and innovative work culture that prioritises scientific advancement and employee development. Located in the picturesque countryside of Didcot, Oxfordshire, we provide generous benefits including a robust pension scheme, flexible working arrangements, and extensive training opportunities, all while fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where every team member can thrive and contribute to groundbreaking research in healthcare.
Contact Details:
The Rosalind Franklin Institute Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PhD Programme Studentship (10403)
✨Get Your Foot in the Lab Door
Look for internship programmes specifically set up for life sciences or biotechnology students. Many companies, including The Rosalind Franklin Institute, offer structured pathways for interns, so check their careers page or your university's career services to snag those early opportunities.
✨Connect with Researchers and Alumni
Tap into biotechnology-focused online communities, such as LinkedIn groups or local biotech meetups. Networking with seasoned professionals or alumni from your university can give you an inside track on internships that may not be widely advertised. A little conversation can go a long way!
✨Get Involved in Research Projects
If you haven’t already, volunteer for or participate in research projects at your university. This hands-on experience not only builds your CV but also helps you make connections with faculty who can recommend you or point you to internship opportunities at companies like The Rosalind Franklin Institute.
✨Keep Your Application Needs in Mind
When you're ready to apply, make sure your online portfolio reflects relevant projects and any lab techniques you’re familiar with. Showcasing your understanding of biotechnology, particularly what relates to the work done at The Rosalind Franklin Institute, can help you stand out from the heap of applicants!
We think you need these skills to ace PhD Programme Studentship (10403)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Lab Skills:For a biotech internship, showcasing any relevant lab skills is crucial. If you've worked with lab techniques like PCR, gel electrophoresis, or CRISPR, make sure these stand out in your CV. We want to see that you have hands-on experience and can contribute from day one.
Share Your Academic Projects:Don't forget to mention any academic projects related to biotechnology. If you've conducted research or completed projects that involved analysis or experimentation, highlight these in your cover letter. It shows us your practical understanding of biotech concepts and your motivation to learn more.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:In your cover letter, focus on your passion for biotechnology and your eagerness to learn. Use this space to explain why you want to intern with The Rosalind Franklin Institute specifically and how this experience aligns with your career goals. Let your enthusiasm shine through!
Include Relevant Coursework:Make sure to list any relevant coursework on your CV. Classes like Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or Bioinformatics can really make you stand out. We want to see that you've got the foundational knowledge, as it helps us gauge how easily you'll adapt to our projects.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Rosalind Franklin Institute
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
As we're diving into the biotechnology world, it's essential to refresh your knowledge on commonly used lab techniques. Be prepared to discuss methods like PCR, gel electrophoresis, and CRISPR. They might even ask you to explain the principles behind them or how you've used them in your studies!
✨Show Your Passion for Bioscience
Internships are all about eagerness to learn and grow, so let your enthusiasm for biotechnology shine through! Share any relevant projects, coursework, or volunteer experiences that showcase your motivation and dedication to the field. This will show The Rosalind Franklin Institute that you're not just looking for any gig, but you're genuinely excited about contributing to their research.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In a biotech internship interview, be ready for scenarios that test your problem-solving skills. For example, how would you handle a contamination issue in an experiment? Practising these types of questions will help you demonstrate your critical thinking and adaptability, which are key traits for any budding biotechnologist.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
Biotechnology often involves collaboration, so emphasising your ability to work in a team is crucial. Think about group projects or lab work where you collaborated with peers. Sharing these experiences will show The Rosalind Franklin Institute that you're not only a great individual contributor but also a team player, ready to thrive in their collaborative environment.
