The Rosalind Franklin Institute, known as the Franklin, is recruiting for a PhD in biomedical technology at the Franklin, based in Harwell, Didcot, UK. The four-year studentship is fully funded and pays a tax-free stipend. It’s open to one home candidate, and applications close on 14 August 2026.
Summary details: PhD in biomedical technology at the Franklin
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Position | PhD Student, Franklin PhD Programme |
| Field | Biomedical technology: chemistry, imaging, computation, and AI applied to life sciences |
| Institution | The Rosalind Franklin Institute, Harwell, Didcot, UK |
| Funding | Tax-free stipend, fully funded |
| Duration | 4 years |
| Application Deadline | 14 August 2026 (rolling review; apply early) |
| Degree required | Master’s |
About the position
This is the final open spot for the PhD in biomedical technology at the Franklin, and it covers four possible research areas rather than one fixed project. Applicants pick a challenge: Molecular Perturbations, Multidimensional Imaging, Quantitative Biology Across Scales, or Artificial Intelligence and Informatics for Predictive Biology. Each combines lab work, imaging, or computation differently, so the right fit depends on your background rather than a single project brief. A research proposal isn’t required. Instead, you write about why you want a studentship in the area you choose.
Research areas and focus
| Area | Focus |
|---|---|
| Molecular Perturbations | Chemistry, biochemistry, and engineering tools to probe biological function |
| Multidimensional Imaging | Next-generation transmission electron microscopy, phase retrieval, image reconstruction |
| Quantitative Biology Across Scales | Imaging and computational approaches for biology and women’s health questions |
| AI and Informatics for Predictive Biology | AI-driven tools, image analysis, and scalable computing pipelines for biological data |
Who can apply
- Home candidates only; the Franklin states this is its last available position in this round
- A background matching one of the four challenge areas: chemistry or biochemistry, physics or engineering or maths, biology or imaging or computer science, or biology with AI and programming experience, depending on the area chosen
- A Master’s-level qualification
- No research proposal, but a written statement on why the chosen challenge area fits your interests
What is offered
- Tax-free stipend, fully funded for four years
- An interdisciplinary project with supervision from Franklin scientists
- Use of the Franklin’s labs and its industrial partnerships
- Links with partner universities across the UK
- Individual mentoring
- Free membership in Oxford college student societies (Oxford registration and accommodation are not included)
How to apply
- Decide which of the four challenge areas fits your background.
- Write a short statement explaining why you want a studentship in that area; a research proposal isn’t required.
- Submit your application before the deadline. Applications are reviewed roughly every two weeks, with interviews a few weeks after, so an earlier application gets you into an earlier round.
- Direct questions to training@rfi.ac.uk.
Source: Rosalind Franklin Institute PhD Programme listing