Research Studentship in Control and Engineering Biology
3.5-year D.Phil. studentship
Project: Learning and controlling cellular dynamics
Supervisors: Prof Jean-Baptiste Lugagne
This DPhil studentship will explore questions at the intersection of engineering, biology, control theory, and machine learning.
Possible directions include developing mathematical and computational models of cellular behaviour, designing feedback control strategies, or building experimental tools using microfluidics, automated microscopy and light-controlled gene expression. Applications include understanding bacterial physiology and improving the reliability and productivity of biological manufacturing.
The specific research questions and balance of experimental, computational and theoretical work will be developed with the successful candidate.
Eligibility
This studentship is open to UK students (full award – home fees plus stipend).
There may be flexibility to support international students. If you are an international student and want to apply for this studentship please contact the supervisor to see whether the flexibility might be available for you.
Award Value
Course fees are covered at the level set for Home students. The stipend (tax-free maintenance grant) is provided at c. £21,805 p.a. for the first year, and at least this amount for a further two and a half 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, Physics, Biology, or in a relevant discipline.
- A clear interest in understanding or engineering biological systems, and motivation to learn beyond their existing discipline.
- Excellent English written and spoken communication skills.
The following skills are desirable but not essential:
- Programming, data analysis, mathematical modelling, control theory or machine learning.
- Molecular biology, microbiology, synthetic biology or bioprocess engineering.
- Microscopy, microfluidics, instrumentation or experimental automation.
Application Procedure
Informal enquiries are encouraged and should be addressed to Professor Lugagne (jean-baptiste.lugagne@eng.ox.ac.uk).
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.
Please quote 27ENGCO_JL in all correspondence and in your graduate application.
Application deadline: noon on 2 December 2026 (In line with the University admissions deadline set by the University)
Start date: October 2027
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PhD Studentship: Research Studentship in Control & Engineering Biology Project: Learning and controlling cellular dynamics in Oxford employer: University of Oxford
The Department of Politics and International Relations at the University of Oxford is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment where finance professionals can thrive. With a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, along with generous benefits such as 38 days of annual leave and a robust family leave scheme, employees are supported in both their professional and personal lives. This role not only provides the opportunity to influence strategic financial decisions within a world-renowned department but also fosters continuous growth and development in a vibrant academic community.
