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

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) and 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, and will make use of state-of-the-art correlated imaging, in particular electron microscopy, from cryogenic to in situ, and molecular biophysics.

The studentship is linked to the priority developments in the NPL’s newly launched synthesis bio-foundry and the RFI’s theme of correlated imaging. The technical role of NPL will complement that of RFI and Oxford in the development of correlated datasets for data-driven protein design and will provide metrology for biophysical assessment of function. The student will have access to metrology training, and to all relevant NPL capabilities during the entire course of their studies, with their time spent between Oxford, NPL and RFI. They will also work alongside scientists at the RFI who are developing the next generation of advanced imaging instruments using optical and X-Ray photons and electrons.

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is a world-leading centre of excellence that provides cutting-edge measurement science, engineering and technology to underpin prosperity and quality of life in the UK. 

NPL and BEIS have strong commitments to diversity and equality of opportunity, and welcome applications from candidates irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or age, providing they meet the required criteria. Applications from women, disabled and black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates in particular are encouraged. All disabled candidates (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) who satisfy the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme. 

At NPL, we believe our success is a result of the diversity and talent of our people. We strive to nurture and respect individuals to ensure everyone feels valued by treating everyone on the basis of their own individual merits and abilities regardless of their own or perceived identity, as part of our commitment to diversity & inclusion, we hold memberships and accreditations to ensure we’re creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome, please see our Diversity & Inclusion page.

We are committed to the health and well-being of our employees. Flexible working and social activities are embedded in our culture to create a positive work-life balance, along with a broad range of benefits. Our values are at the heart of what we do, and they shape the way we interact, develop our people and celebrate success. 

To ensure everyone has an equal chance, we’re always willing to make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss, please contact us.