Plant BioDesign Doctoral Training Programme
Engineering plants for a sustainable future
Applications for 2026/27 are open until Monday 19 January 2026, 5pm GMT
Plant BioDesign will train the next generation of scientists to design and engineer plants that tackle global challenges in food security, clean growth, and environmental sustainability.
Building on the UK’s global strengths in plant science and synthetic biology, the programme brings together world-leading researchers at the universities of York, Cambridge and Bristol and the John Innes Centre. Plant BioDesign offers a unique four-year PhD training programme in plant engineering biology.
Through interdisciplinary research, industry collaboration, inclusive training and professional skills development, postgraduate researchers (PGRs) will gain the skills to lead innovation across academia, industry and policy — realising the potential of programmable plants for the bioeconomy of the future.
Research Projects
Plant BioDesign research projects use plant engineering and/or develop tools for plant engineering with a focus on addressing major global challenges aligned with the UK’s National Engineering Biology Programme. These include:
• Clean growth – photosynthetic biomanufacturing of proteins and natural products
• Resilient food systems – engineering of agricultural traits such as defence and photosynthesis
• Platform technologies – development of new tools for gene editing, large-scale screening and synthetic control systems
Projects are interdisciplinary, combining expertise in molecular biology, data science, computational modelling, biochemistry and engineering to drive innovation in plant systems design. Each PGR will be able to co-create and develop their research project with their supervisory team to align with personal goals and scientific interests.
All PGRs will have access to state-of-the-art facilities across the four partner institutions, including advanced plant growth environments, high-performance computing, automated systems, and cutting-edge microscopy and -omics platforms.
Training Environment
Plant BioDesign offers a stimulating and inclusive training environment combining academic excellence, industrial engagement, and career development opportunities.
Training is integrated throughout the four-year studentship and designed to align with research progress. This flexible, modular approach ensures that PGRs can access training when it is most relevant, supporting continuous professional and technical development.
We have established partnerships with over 20 non-academic organisations across industry, policy, and innovation. These partners will contribute to the co-creation and delivery of projects, placements and training in entrepreneurship, intellectual property and responsible innovation.
Training will cover:
• Engineering biology principles, including modelling, design-build-test-learn cycles, and data science
• Advanced laboratory techniques such as genetic logic and circuit design, protein engineering, machine learning, and automation
• Professional and leadership development, including project management, communication, entrepreneurship, and responsible innovation
Core skills training in research integrity, EDI, wellbeing, and health and safety are embedded throughout the programme.
An annual Plant Engineering Biology Symposium will bring together PGRs, academics, and industry leaders to share discoveries, exchange ideas, and spark new collaborations.
Plant BioDesign Doctoral Training Programme contact details
Eligibility
Open to UK (home) students only.
You can apply if you have, or are expecting to gain, at least an upper second class honours degree or equivalent. You should have a background in biological, chemical or physical science or mathematics, be passionate about plant engineering biology and keen to develop your research and innovation skills to tackle global challenges.
Plant BioDesign is committed to recruiting future engineering biologists regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation or career pathway to date. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in science, who have curiosity, creativity and a drive to help grow the UK’s capability in engineering biology.
The aim of the TechExpert pilot is to strengthen the UK’s innovation pipeline and build a more inclusive, resilient and high-impact research ecosystem, retaining talented graduates in research roles at doctoral level to upskill for future tech careers and providing a viable way back into these roles for those who are employed.
We provide a mentoring scheme to assist applicants from underrepresented groups. Please use our Plant BioDesign PhD Application Mentorship form if you would like to participate in this scheme.
How to apply
Application deadline: Monday 19 January 2026, 5pm GMT
You can apply for up to two Plant BioDesign projects (which can be at different universities).
We would advise you to read the questions in the form before submitting your application. Inside the form there is a link to a document for you to see the questions in advance.
If you have any questions about the application process, please email plant-bio-design-network@york.
If you have questions about the project you are interested in, please email the project supervisor (details inside the project description).
How we allocate
Shortlisting will take place as soon as possible after the closing date and successful applicants will be notified promptly.
If you are shortlisted you will be invited for an online interview on February 27th 2026. As part of the interview process, you will be asked to give a short presentation on a research project you've undertaken.
You will be notified of the outcome of the interview as soon as possible. If you are successful, you will be offered the opportunity to visit the host supervisor and institution.
Terms and conditions
Plant BioDesign studentships are fully funded for four years and you must complete your PhD in four years. You are expected to attend all mandatory induction events, meetings and training sessions scheduled by Plant BioDesign and by your host Department. In addition, you will be expected to take part in TechExpert activities for up to 10 days each year including outreach to promote tech careers, networking with the TechFirst community and engagement with the tech industry.
You will receive an annual tax-free stipend of £31,000 for your living costs, paid in regular instalments.
You must adhere to the host University’s regulations, policies and guidance regarding research degree programmes. As a member of the York Graduate Research School, you'll study throughout the whole year, working for at least 37 hours per week, with an annual leave entitlement (normally 30 days plus public holidays).