The Rosalind Franklin Institute (The Franklin) is the national institute for technology development for the life sciences in the UK – funded by the government through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The principal goal is to bring about transformative changes in technologies which will allow us to see the biological world in new ways: from single molecules to entire organoids. The insights generated will speed up drug design and development and push forward our understanding of human health and disease.

As a Franklin PhD student you will:

• * Work on highly interdisciplinary projects with real-world impact
• * Be guided by world-leading supervisors
• * Access state-of-the-art facilities and industrial collaborations
• * Connect with top universities across the UK

We are looking for open-minded candidates who want to develop and use Franklin technologies in novel, interdisciplinary research spanning our different scientific challenges. We welcome candidates from any scientific, maths, computing or engineering backgrounds.

What the Franklin PhD Programme Offers

• * A unique research-focused environment, plus collaborations with leading universities and global companies
• * Access to brand-new labs and industrial partnerships
• * Advanced interdisciplinary skills training
• * A wide choice of projects tailored to your interests
• * A generous, tax-free stipend and additional benefits
• * Individual mentoring and support
• * Free membership in Oxford college student societies (note: no Oxford registration or accommodation included)

This is a fully funded four-year programme designed to equip you with the skills, networks and experience to shape the future of science.

Application Deadlines 

Applications are considered in two separate groupings. You can apply to any deadline given below, but you should try to apply to the earliest deadline available as the positions can become filled early. You will usually receive a decision in about 4-6 weeks after the deadline to which you have applied.

Application deadlines are in January and March with interviews a few weeks after (please check for exact dates below). Please note that if you apply after the deadline, you will grouped into the following round of interviews.

Interviews for international candidates will only be considered for the March deadline (please check for exact dates below).

We strongly recommend that you aim to submit your application form and all your supporting documents at least two weeks before your chosen deadline. Don't wait until the day of the deadline! We may not always be able to answer your questions or help you to resolve any problems in time, particularly around our busiest application deadlines.

Key Dates

Application deadlines for home candidates:

5 January 2026, 12.00 midday UK time. (January interviews)

2 March 2026, 12.00 midday UK time. (March interviews)

 Application deadline for international candidates:

2 March 2026, 12.00 midday UK time. (March interviews)

For questions check our FAQ or contact us at training@rfi.ac.uk.  Please also review our Candidate Privacy Policy.

We look forward to hearing about your skills, experiences and motivation to join us.

Good luck!