⛔ This position is no longer available.
University: Teesside University
Country: United Kingdom
Deadline: 2026-05-03
Fields: Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Distributed Systems, Data Science
Topic: UK – Fully Funded PhD in Agentic AI at Teesside University
Fields: Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Distributed Systems, Data Science
Position: PhD
Country: europe
Deadline: 2026-05-03
University: Teesside University
Real Country: United Kingdom
Main Category: computer & data sciences
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Are you passionate about revolutionizing the future of artificial intelligence and eager to contribute to the development of advanced autonomous systems that can transform industries and society? If your academic and career ambitions lie at the intersection of AI, software engineering, and multi-agent systems, this fully funded PhD opportunity at Teesside University may be the perfect next step for you.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping the world, driving innovation across sectors from healthcare to finance, logistics to manufacturing. As organizations increasingly rely on complex digital platforms, the demand for intelligent, autonomous software agents capable of managing workflows and decision-making processes has never been greater. This PhD studentship, centered on Agentic AI for autonomous task management, offers the chance to become a leader in this transformative field while working in collaboration with industry and academic experts.
About the University or Research Institute
Teesside University, located in the vibrant Tees Valley region of the United Kingdom, is renowned for its commitment to research excellence, innovation, and impactful collaboration with industry. As the leading institution behind the £19.86 million Tees Valley Investment Zone, Teesside University is at the forefront of driving regional development in digital and creative industries. The university’s Centre for Digital Innovation provides a dynamic environment where interdisciplinary research flourishes, supported by cutting-edge facilities, high-performance computing resources, and a thriving postgraduate community.
Internationally recognized for its inclusive and supportive campus culture, Teesside University welcomes students from diverse backgrounds and fosters a sense of belonging for all. Research at Teesside is designed to influence policy, practice, and technological advancement both within the UK and globally, with strong links to industry partners ensuring real-world impact.
Living and studying in the United Kingdom also brings a host of benefits. The UK is a global leader in higher education and research, offering access to world-class resources, vibrant multicultural communities, and a wealth of professional and personal development opportunities. The Tees Valley region, in particular, is known for its innovation ecosystem, affordable cost of living, and excellent quality of life.
Research Topic and Significance
The focus of this PhD project is the development of agentic AI frameworks for autonomous task management within complex digital environments. As digital platforms grow in scale and complexity, the need for AI systems that can manage, prioritize, and execute tasks independently—while remaining transparent and controllable—becomes critical.
Agentic AI refers to systems composed of autonomous agents capable of making decisions, coordinating actions, and adapting to dynamic environments. By advancing the state of the art in multi-agent architectures, planning algorithms, and distributed decision-making, this research aims to unlock new levels of operational efficiency and robustness in software systems. The outcomes of this project have the potential to benefit a broad range of sectors, from enterprise software and cloud computing to smart manufacturing and digital services.
Collaboration with MCD Systems, a leading digital technology company, ensures that the research will address real-world challenges and deliver solutions with tangible industrial impact. The integration of agentic AI into operational platforms will not only advance academic knowledge but also drive innovation in industry, supporting the creation of high-value jobs and establishing Tees Valley as a national center for digital excellence.
Project Details
This interdisciplinary PhD project is supervised by Professor Annalisa Occhipinti at the Centre for Digital Innovation, Teesside University. The project is supported by MCD Systems, providing access to industrial datasets, deployment environments, and applied challenges.
Key aims of the project include:
– Designing and implementing multi-agent AI architectures for autonomous workflow management.
– Developing advanced algorithms for planning, scheduling, and dynamic task allocation, enabling AI agents to efficiently prioritize and execute tasks in complex, real-world environments.
– Collaborating with MCD Systems to integrate and evaluate agentic AI solutions on real-world digital platforms, focusing on robustness, scalability, and adaptability.
PhD candidates will benefit from hands-on experience with reinforcement learning, distributed systems, planning algorithms, and software integration. Access to high-performance computing resources and real-world deployment environments will provide invaluable practical training and research experience.
This studentship is part of the Tees Valley Investment Zone, a transformative program designed to embed research talent in industry, accelerate product development, and foster collaboration between academia and business. The initiative aims to support over 300 companies, create thousands of high-value jobs, and build a sustainable innovation ecosystem in the region.
Candidate Profile
This opportunity is ideal for candidates who are passionate about artificial intelligence, software engineering, and the development of autonomous systems. Suitable applicants should have:
– A good honours degree (2:1 or above) in a relevant discipline such as Computer Science, Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, or a closely related field.
– A Master’s degree in a relevant discipline is desirable but not essential.
– Demonstrable understanding of the research area, including familiarity with AI, multi-agent systems, distributed computing, or related topics.
– Strong analytical, problem-solving, and programming skills.
– Motivation to work in an interdisciplinary and collaborative environment, with a willingness to engage with both academic and industry partners.
– International applicants must meet standard English language requirements and, where applicable, UK visa and ATAS clearance procedures.
The successful candidate will join a dynamic research community, participate in group activities, training sessions, and workshops, and receive mentoring and support for academic and professional development throughout the PhD.
Application Process
Applications are to be submitted online using the Funded PhD application form available on the Teesside University website. When specifying funding, select “other” and enter ‘RDS’ along with the title of the PhD project you are applying for. It is essential to clearly indicate that you are applying for a Funded Studentship and include the project title on your proposal.
If you wish to apply for more than one project, submit a separate application for each, specifying the relevant title.
All applications received by the closing date will be reviewed. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online interview, with all applicants notified of the outcome. Successful candidates will commence their PhD studies in October 2026.
Application deadline: 03 May 2026, 5:00 PM
For full details and to apply, please visit:
https://www.tees.ac.uk/sections/research/funding_details.cfm?fundingid=301
Conclusion
This fully funded PhD studentship at Teesside University offers an exceptional opportunity to advance the field of agentic AI, develop cutting-edge solutions for autonomous task management, and gain invaluable experience in both academic and industrial settings. If you are driven to make a real-world impact through your research and eager to join a vibrant, inclusive, and innovative community, we encourage you to apply.
Stay tuned for more opportunities in AI, computer science, and digital innovation, and take the next step towards a rewarding research career.
Questions & Answers
Question: What is Agentic AI and why is it important?
Agentic AI refers to artificial intelligence systems composed of autonomous agents that can independently plan, make decisions, and execute tasks. This is crucial for managing complex digital environments where adaptability, scalability, and explainability are essential.
Question: What kind of background is required to apply for this PhD?
Applicants should have at least a good honours degree (2:1 or above) in a relevant field such as Computer Science, AI, Software Engineering, or Data Science. A Master’s degree is desirable but not mandatory. Familiarity with AI, distributed systems, or multi-agent systems is advantageous.
Question: Is the studentship open to international applicants?
Yes, both UK and international students are eligible to apply, provided they meet the university’s standard entry criteria including English language and visa requirements.
Question: What funding support is provided?
The studentship covers full tuition fees for up to four years and provides an annual tax-free stipend of £21,805 for three years, subject to satisfactory progress.
Question: What are the benefits of studying at Teesside University?
Teesside University offers a supportive, inclusive, and dynamic research environment, access to high-performance computing resources, strong industry partnerships, and a vibrant postgraduate community. The university is located in a region known for its innovation ecosystem and quality of life.
Question: How do I apply for this PhD studentship?
Applications must be submitted online through the university’s Funded PhD application form. Clearly indicate that you are applying for a Funded Studentship and include the project title. Refer to the official advertisement for detailed instructions.
Question: What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is 03 May 2026 at 5:00 PM.
Question: When will successful applicants start?
Successful candidates are expected to commence their studies in October 2026.
Question: What is the selection process?
All applications received by the deadline will be considered. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for online interviews, and all applicants will be informed of the outcome.
Want to calculate your PhD admission chances? Try it here:
https://phdfinder.com/2026/03/12/phd-admission-chance-calculator/
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