PhD in AI-Powered Phage Research for Agri-Food system
The University of Strathclyde, in collaboration with the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute and Queen’s University Belfast, under SUSTAIN, has opened a PhD opportunity. The selected candidate will receive training in machine learning and software development, as well as avian virology and molecular microbiology. This fully funded PhD project aims to accelerate bacteriophage discovery and characterisation using advanced computational and artificial intelligence approaches — specifically targeting applications in the UK poultry industry, a critical component of the agri-food system.
About the Project
This project will be carried out in two different learning phases.
Computational Phase
The selected candidate will focus on application of bioinformatics tools to identify phage DNA from poultry samples and develop novel AI-based methods for: Phage taxonomic classification and Gene annotation. He/She will se cutting-edge deep learning models for nucleotide and protein sequence analysis and build computational pipelines and software tools.
Experimental Validation Phase
The student will isolate bacteriophages from poultry samples, screen bacterial hosts/targets, and validate AI and bioinformatics predictions using gold-standard laboratory techniques. This phase will be conducted at the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) and Queen’s University Belfast.
Training & Skill Development
The appointed student will receive cross-disciplinary training in:
- Machine learning and AI
- Software development
- Computational biology
- Avian virology
- Molecular microbiology
Graduates of this program will develop highly sought-after skills in deep learning, computational biology, and molecular microbiology, which will be futuristically relevant to careers in academia, biotech, public health, and agri-food innovation.
Eligibility Criteria
- Minimum 2:1 Honours degree in Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Molecular Biology, or related field
- Master’s degree in AI, Machine Learning, Computer Science, Bioinformatics, or Computational Biology
- Quantitative or technically focused BSc/MSc dissertation
- Interest in cross-sector collaboration and public engagement
- experience in molecular microbiology or virology
For more phage-based PhD opportunities, check here
This job post was originally curated by www.thephage.xyz/jobs
