PhD Studentship: Future-Proofing Celery with Pangenomics, Trials, and AI
Use cutting-edge genomics and AI-assisted gene discovery to protect celery crops against emerging diseases.
Best for:Best for biology or bioinformatics graduates with a strong interest in plant genomics, data analysis, and translational agricultural research.
Overview
This four-year PhD studentship focuses on future-proofing celery against the virulent pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. apii race 4 using advanced genomics and artificial intelligence. Jointly supported by the Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership and industry partner Tozer Seeds, the project involves analysing large diversity panels, conducting field trials, and applying time-course RNA-seq and pangenomic studies. The successful candidate will be based at the Earlham Institute, engaging in multidisciplinary research at the interface of crop genomics, plant pathology, and breeding. The role provides comprehensive training to translate genomic diversity into practical, sustainable disease-resistance strategies for agriculture.
What you'll do
- Analyze a large celery diversity panel incorporating advanced lines, landraces, and wild material using population genomics and pangenomic approaches.
- Evaluate celery performance under high disease pressure through large-scale field trials to identify resistance-associated loci.
- Perform time-course RNA-seq experiments to examine plant defence pathways and host responses during pathogen infection.
- Apply comparative genomics, NLRome analysis, and AI-assisted candidate-gene prioritisation using genomic and protein language models.
- Collaborate closely with industry partners at Tozer Seeds to translate genomic findings into practical breeding solutions.
- Communicate research outcomes effectively to academic stakeholders and industry partners.
Requirements
Degree required: BSc or MSc in a relevant scientific discipline such as Biosciences, Bioinformatics, or Genetics
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; standard institutional postgraduate English language requirements apply
Instruction: English
- Background in plant sciences, genomics, bioinformatics, or a closely related discipline
- Interest in population genomics, evolutionary analysis, or structural variation
- Aptitude for data analysis, statistics, or computational biology
- Worthiness to conduct field trials and laboratory-based molecular work
- Open to eligible candidates meeting the criteria of the Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership and UKRI funding guidelines
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-30
Candidates must submit their application through the University of East Anglia postgraduate research application portal following the guidelines provided by the Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership.
- CV
- Cover letter
- Transcripts
- Reference letters
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