PhD Studentship: Deciphering Critical Regulators in Wheat Rust Immunity
Investigate plant metabolism and immune signaling in wheat to decode resistance against yellow rust pathogens.
Best for:Best for molecular biologists and plant scientists with a strong background in genetics, biochemistry, or bioinformatics.
Overview
This fully funded 4-year PhD studentship investigates how branched chain amino acids and salicylic acid regulate plant immunity against yellow rust in bread wheat. Based at the John Innes Centre within the Saunders Lab, the successful candidate will employ multidisciplinary approaches in plant pathology, molecular biology, and wheat genetics. The research aims to resolve the links between metabolic signaling, transcription factors, and basal defense mechanisms. Applicants will receive comprehensive research training and are expected to drive independent experimental work leading to novel scientific insights.
What you'll do
- Conduct molecular biology and genetics experiments to elucidate metabolic signaling pathways in wheat.
- Investigate the functional links between branched chain amino acid accumulation and transcription factor activation.
- Characterize novel gene targets of the regulatory protein TaASIL1 using genetic and biochemical techniques.
- Analyze complex biological datasets utilizing bioinformatics pipelines and statistical tools.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary researchers within the Saunders Lab and broader research community.
- Prepare scientific reports, present research findings at conferences, and contribute to peer-reviewed publications.
Requirements
Degree required: Bachelors (Honours) 2:1 or UK equivalent in a relevant biological science discipline
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6 in each category
Instruction: English
- Strong foundational knowledge in molecular biology, genetics, or biochemistry
- Demonstrated ability to perform laboratory research and experimental design
- Basic data analysis and computational or bioinformatics skills
- Capacity to work independently and collaboratively within a research team
- Effective written and verbal communication skills in English
- Meeting academic entry standards equivalent to a UK 2:1 Bachelors degree
- Meeting English language proficiency requirements
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-30
Candidates must submit their application through the official university postgraduate research application portal. Ensure all required academic transcripts, reference details, and supporting statements are uploaded prior to the deadline.
- CV
- BSc transcripts
- Reference letters
- Personal statement
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