PhD Studentship in Computer Science: Programming Matter - Dynamic DNA Data Structures for Molecular Information Storage and Computing

Award summary: 100% home fees covered, and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £21,805 (2026-27 UKRI rates)

Overview

DNA has emerged as one of the most promising media for ultra-dense information storage. However, most DNA storage systems remain passive: data are written, archived, and read. This PhD project will help pioneer a new generation of dynamic DNA data storage systems capable not only of storing information, but also of manipulating, organising, and retrieving it through molecular data structures analogous to those used in computer science. 

Building on our pioneering experimental demonstration of a DNA-based stack data structure and recent advances in optimisation for DNA nanotechnology, the project will design, model, implement, and experimentally validate novel molecular data structures that extend beyond current capabilities. Potential targets include queues, deques, priority structures, linked structures, and new DNA-native information architectures capable of operating in vitro or in living cells with tailor-made error-correcting codes. 

The successful candidate will combine computational design with laboratory work, developing DNA/RNA systems, molecular circuits, and experimental assays to build and characterise these DNA devices. The project will also explore optimisation methods to improve reliability, scalability, and performance in complex nucleic-acid-based systems.

The student will join the internationally recognised EnDROIDS programme (endroids.ico2s.org) and become part of a highly interdisciplinary team of computer scientists, molecular biologists, DNA nanotechnologists, and social scientists working at the frontier of molecular computing and information storage.

Number of awards: 1

Start date: September 2026

Award duration: 3.5 years

Sponsor: School of Computing, Newcastle University

Supervisors

Prof. Natalio Krasnogor, Dr. Yonatan Yehezkeally 

Eligibility criteria

Applicants should hold (or expect to obtain) MSc or equivalent in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Synthetic Biology, Engineering Biology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, DNA/RNA Nanotechnology, or closely related discipline, be excited by both hands-on experimental laboratory research and interdisciplinary innovation. 

Enthusiasm for research, ability to think and work independently, excellent analytical skills and strong verbal and written communication skills are essential.  

The studentship covers fees at Home rate (UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status and meet the residency criteria). International applicants must cover the difference between Home and International fees.  

Applicants whose first language is not English require IELTS score of 6.5 overall and minimum 5.5 in all sub-skills.  

International applicants may require ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance certificate prior to obtaining their visa and to study on this programme. 

How to apply

Apply using Apply to Newcastle Portal

Once registered select ‘Create a Postgraduate Application’.

‘Course Search’ identify programme of study:

• Search for the ‘Course Title’ using programme code:8050F
• Research Area: Computing Science
• Select ‘PhD Computer Science(Full Time) – Computing Science) as programme of study (please note that although you will be registered at the Computing department, t this is an experimental DNA data storage opportunity, for which we have state-of-the-art laboratories)

Provide the following information in ‘Further Questions’ section:

• ‘Personal Statement’ (mandatory) - upload document or write statement directly into form
• Use code COMP2180 in ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’
• When prompted how you are providing research proposal - select ‘Write Proposal’. Then type in the title of the research project from this advert – and provide your own statement.

Contact details: Prof. Natalio Krasnogor

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