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John Innes Centre

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PhD in AI-led Protein Design for Engineering Disease Resistance John Innes Centre in United Kingdom

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Computer Science

Funding

Fully funded 4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership PhD studentship. Includes payment of tuition fees directly to the University, a stipend for living expenses (2026/27 rate: £21,805), and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000 per year.

Deadline

Nov 30, 2026

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Country

United Kingdom

University

John Innes Centre

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Keywords

Computer Science
Molecular Biology
Microbiology
Environmental Science
Biomedical Engineering
Plant Biology
Biology
Structural Biology
Artificial Intelligence
Disease Resistance
Genome Engineering

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About this position

PhD opportunity in AI-led protein design for engineering disease resistance at the John Innes Centre, Norwich, United Kingdom, through the Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (NRPDTP).

This project sits at the intersection of artificial intelligence, computational protein design, plant biology, microbiology, molecular biology, structural biology, and genetic engineering. The research aims to understand how plant immune receptors detect pathogen molecules and how these receptors can be engineered or built de novo to improve disease resistance in crops. The project will investigate recognition-switch-execute modules, receptor activation, and downstream cellular responses using both in vitro and in vivo approaches, with the longer-term goal of helping manage plant diseases and support food security.

The studentship is part of a fully funded 4-year PhD programme. Funding includes tuition fees, a living stipend, and a Research Training Support Grant. Students also benefit from a structured doctoral training environment, access to world-class facilities, interdisciplinary supervision and collaboration, and opportunities to attend national and international conferences. The NRPDTP also includes a three-month professional internship placement (PIPS) to build broader research and professional skills.

Eligibility highlights: applicants should have at least a UK-equivalent Bachelors (Honours) 2:1. English language requirement is IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each category (or Faculty of Science equivalent). The opportunity is open to students worldwide.

Application notes: this project has been shortlisted for funding by the NRPDTP. Applicants should visit the NRPDTP website for full eligibility criteria and application guidance, and must use the bespoke Personal Statement and Research Statement templates provided there. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed on 2nd, 3rd, and 4th February 2027. Start date is 1 October 2027.

Funding details

Fully funded 4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership PhD studentship. Includes payment of tuition fees directly to the University, a stipend for living expenses (2026/27 rate: £21,805), and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000 per year.

What's required

At least UK equivalent of a Bachelors (Honours) 2:1. English language requirement: IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each category (Faculty of Science equivalent). Full-time study only.

How to apply

Visit the NRPDTP website for eligibility details and application instructions. Use the bespoke Personal Statement and Research Statement templates provided on the NRPDTP website when completing the application. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on 2–4 February 2027.

More information can be found here

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