PhD Studentship: Programming Industrially Robust Conjugative Plasmids to Halt AMR Gene Spread Using Large Language Model Genome Design Tools UCL in United Kingdom

[Stipend at UKRI rate.]

This fully funded PhD studentship at University College London (UCL) offers an exciting opportunity to address the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by engineering conjugative plasmids using advanced AI-driven genome design tools. Hosted within UCL Biochemical Engineering and the Centre for Doctoral Training in Engineering Solutions for Antimicrobial Resistance, the project is supervised by Dr Darren N. Nesbeth and Prof Eli Keshavarz-Moore, leaders in genome engineering and bioprocess development.

AMR is a critical threat to public health, driven in part by horizontal gene transfer via conjugative plasmids that spread resistance genes among bacteria. This project aims to develop next-generation therapeutic plasmids capable of suppressing AMR gene dissemination in both clinical and environmental settings. By integrating synthetic biology, bioprocess engineering, and large language model (LLM)-based genome design tools (such as PlasmidGPT and Evo2), the research will create modular, industrially robust plasmids optimised for manufacturability, safety, and performance.

Key research activities include constructing engineered plasmids with payloads targeting AMR gene suppression, applying AI tools to refactor plasmid genomes, validating efficacy against WHO-priority AMR gene analogues in microbial hosts, and developing high-cell-density cultivation protocols in bioreactors. The project also emphasises data-driven design iteration, integrating empirical results to refine AI-generated plasmid designs.

The successful candidate will receive interdisciplinary training in advanced molecular cloning, CRISPR-Cas systems, genome engineering, bioreactor operation, and the application of LLMs to biological sequence design. Collaboration across synthetic biology, computational biology, and microbiology will provide a dynamic research environment, with access to state-of-the-art facilities and opportunities for translational impact through partnerships such as the National Physical Laboratory (NPL).

Applicants should have a background in synthetic biology, molecular biology, or biochemical engineering, with familiarity in genome editing, plasmid biology, or microbial systems. An interest in AI applications in biology and AMR mitigation is highly desirable. The studentship includes a stipend at the UKRI rate and is open to candidates who meet UCL's PhD entry requirements.

Applications should be submitted via the UCL application page by 12th January 2026. For further details, refer to the Centre for Doctoral Training in Engineering Solutions for Antimicrobial Resistance. This project offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of scalable, deployable solutions for AMR, preparing graduates for careers in biotechnology, pharmaceutical manufacturing, or academic research.