Job Description

We are looking for PhD students to join us at the Generative Biology Institute at the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT), Oxford.

This is a unique opportunity to be part of an ambitious and collaborative environment, working on some of the most challenging problems in Engineering Biology.

Learn more here: https://www.eit.org/scholars/scholars-projects

Applications for EIT Graduate Scholarships are now open.

Graduate opportunities

Drive innovation while studying at the University of Oxford as a fully-funded graduate

EIT provides fully-funded doctoral (DPhil/PhD) study at the University of Oxford, where graduate students directly contribute to progressing an EIT project. These projects tackle global challenges through cutting-edge technology, offering graduate students the chance to collaborate with world-leading experts to develop innovative solutions.

The EIT graduate opportunities are highly competitive. EIT is looking for exceptionally talented individuals with the skills and expertise to contribute significantly to our projects. We are particularly interested in students with skills in fields such as computer science, artificial intelligence, economics, mathematics, robotics, plant sciences, machine learning, chemistry, biology, engineering, medicine or microbiology. Graduate scholarships applicants must demonstrate skills aligned with their chosen EIT Project.

The EIT funds:

EIT Graduate Scholarships

EIT Graduate Scholars have an exceptional academic, research, and innovation track record and a portfolio of achievements that go beyond the selection criteria. They are individuals who have already demonstrated significant impact in their field and the potential to become future leaders in research and innovation. Our scholars not only push the boundaries of knowledge but also have the vision and drive to translate their ideas into real-world applications and commercial opportunities.

Scroll down to learn more about the EIT Graduate Scholarships.

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EIT CDT Funding

EIT CDT Students are studying on the EIT-funded DPhil (PhD) degree: Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT). They have firm and sophisticated understandings of the underpinning theory and method development of artificial intelligence and machine learning and are therefore best placed to help drive advancements that could have transformative impact across EIT’s four Humane Endeavours.

Learn more about the EIT CDT Funding

EIT Graduate Scholarships

EIT PhD Projects for EIT Graduate Scholars

EIT Graduate Scholars will work on PhD projects that directly contribute to the research and innovation programs at EIT. As such, they will span one or more of the following Humane Endeavours, which provide focus areas for what EIT is trying to solve:

• Health, Medical Science & Generative Biology
• Food Security & Sustainable Agriculture
• Clean Energy Generation & Storage
• Artificial Intelligence & Robotics

They will bring their relevant skills, experiences or interests in areas such as AI & data, economics & policy, generative biology, robotics, engineering, chemistry, physics, biology, computer science, mathematics, medicine or law into their PhD projects.

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Please find the list of EIT PhD projects and the potential supervisors under each individual project here

EIT Graduate Scholarships

Eligibility

Applicants will need to meet the University of Oxford’s entry requirements for their chosen doctoral course. They must:

• Have, or be on track to be awarded, the relevant qualification(s) required by the University of Oxford,
• Have met, or be on track to meet, the grade requirements for their chosen doctoral course and
• Have met, or be on track to meet, the University’s English language requirements for their chosen doctoral course.

Applicants who do not meet these criteria are strongly dissuaded from applying for the scholarships.

Eligible applicants must also meet our selection criteria before starting an application.

EIT Graduate Scholarships

Selection criteria

Alignment

Applicants must demonstrate alignment with their chosen EIT Project through:

• Proven ability to make meaningful and substantial contributions to the project’s development and impact – i.e. the research and innovation experience that would allow them to quickly contribute to the project.
• A genuine interest in their chosen EIT Project, reflecting their commitment to its goals.
• A well-matched research proposal that aligns with the project’s objectives.

Excellence

They are high-performers who demonstrate outstanding academic achievements, intellectual curiosity and the ability to apply knowledge critically and effectively to solve complex challenges.

How this might be evidenced:

• Outstanding academic record, particularly in relevant disciplines (e.g., first-class degree, distinction in a master’s programme, a minimum GPA 3.7/4).
• Competitive scholarships, fellowships, competitions, academic awards or similar accolades at undergraduate or, where relevant, postgraduate level.
• Significant contributions to a major research project, laboratory work or field study.

Innovation

They are visionary learners who embrace technological advancements with creativity, challenge the status quo and explore innovative solutions to achieve transformative outcomes.

How this might be evidenced:

• Peer-reviewed publications, patents or other recognised contributions to innovative research.
• Participation in interdisciplinary or cutting-edge research projects.
• Awards or recognition for innovative research, academic presentations or technological advancements.

Collaboration

They are trusted collaborators who build strong relationships, foster teamwork and demonstrate the ability to bring people together to achieve success.

How this might be evidenced:

• Involvement in collaborative research projects, co-authored publications or multi-institutional studies.
• Contribution to team-based initiatives such as lab management, journal editing or academic committees.
• Experience in organising academic conferences, workshops or research symposia.

Tenacity

They are tenacious achievers who view setbacks as opportunities to learn and adapt and demonstrate resilience and determination to overcome challenges and achieve success.

How this might be evidenced:

• Completion of a rigorous research project, dissertation or thesis despite significant challenges.
• Persistence in securing research funding, scholarships or competitive opportunities.
• Long-term commitment to a research area, demonstrated through sustained academic contributions.

Integrity

They are trustworthy people who value honesty, foster openness and build trust through commitment to collective success.

How this might be evidenced:

• References or endorsements highlighting ethical conduct and reliability.
• Roles and responsibilities that require high ethical standards, such as student representative or community leader.
• Honesty and accuracy in the application form.

Application Timeline for EIT Graduate Scholarships

Apply to become an EIT Graduate Scholar

Here is the selection process timeline for the EIT Graduate Scholars. Please note that there are three application deadlines. We strongly encourage candidates to apply by 1 October deadline, as we may close applications once all places are filled. If you have questions, read our FAQs or contact scholars@eit.org.

APPLICATIONS OPEN

1 September 2025

Apply now

First deadline

1 October 2025 

• December 2025: First round of conditional scholarship decisions.
• December 2025: Finalists submit applications to the University of Oxford.*

Second deadline

1 December 2025

• January 2026: Second round of conditional scholarship decisions.
• January 2026: Finalists submit applications to the University of Oxford.*

final deadline

1 February 2026

• March 2026: Final found of conditional scholarship decisions.
• March 2026: Finalists submit applications to the University of Oxford.*
• NB: Applications may remain open beyond this deadline if places are still available.

Announcement

April 2026

EIT Graduate Scholars are announced.

Scholars begin their studies

October 2026

EIT Graduate Scholars begin their studies at the University of Oxford.

*Finalists must follow the University’s separate and independent admissions process.

Apply now for EIT Graduate Scholarships

Applications are now open!

Applications for EIT Graduate Scholarships are now open. First deadline of applications is 1 October 2025.

Please read eligibility and selection criteria before starting your application.

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