PhD Vacancy - AI-driven metrology for sequence-to-function links with accuracy of one DNA base pair

TN United Kingdom; Teddington; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting PhD opportunity awaits in Teddington, where a pioneering research initiative focuses on AI-driven protein design. This role involves collaboration with esteemed institutions like the University of Oxford and the National Physical Laboratory. The successful candidate will engage in cutting-edge research, utilizing advanced imaging techniques to explore the intricate links between DNA sequences and protein functions. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and training in metrology, this position promises to be a significant step in the field of biophysics and protein design. If you are passionate about pushing the boundaries of science and technology, this is the role for you.

Qualifications

• PhD studentship focusing on AI-driven metrology for protein design.
• Involvement in collaborations with leading research institutions.

Responsibilities

• Develop experimental capabilities for predictive AI models.
• Collaborate with scientists to advance imaging instruments.

Skills

AI-driven protein design

Correlated imaging techniques

Molecular biophysics

Experimental capability building

Education

PhD in relevant field

Tools

Electron microscopy

Cryogenic imaging

Optical imaging

X-ray imaging

Job description

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PhD Vacancy - AI-driven metrology for sequence-to-function links with accuracy of one DNA base pair, Teddington

Client:

NPL

Location:

Teddington, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

EU work permit required:

Yes

Job Reference:

d98cd0d61a1e

Job Views:

3

Posted:

05.05.2025

Expiry Date:

19.06.2025

Job Description:

An EPSRC industrial doctoral landscape award between the University of Oxford and the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is available from Oct 2025.

The persistent lack of protein sequence-to-function links remains one of the most intractable problems in biology. This PhD project will focus on establishing metrology foundations for AI-driven protein design through experimentation run at scale and high throughput.

The studentship is an important part of research programmes at the University of Oxford, the NPL and the Rosalind Franklin Institute (RFI). The successful applicant will be exposed to additional collaborations with IBM, Hartree National Centre for Digital Innovation, and Wellcome Sanger Institute.

The student will be involved in building an experimental capability to support predictive AI models describing relationships between DNA, protein sequences, and function. They will utilize state-of-the-art correlated imaging techniques, including electron microscopy from cryogenic to in situ, and molecular biophysics.

The studentship links to priority developments in NPL’s newly launched synthesis bio-foundry and RFI’s theme of correlated imaging. The technical role of NPL will complement those of RFI and Oxford in developing correlated datasets for data-driven protein design, providing metrology for biophysical assessment of function. The student will receive metrology training and access to NPL capabilities throughout their studies, spending time at Oxford, NPL, and RFI. They will also collaborate with scientists developing advanced imaging instruments using optical, X-ray photons, and electrons.