Prof R Sablowski
No more applications being accepted
Competition Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)
About the Project
How genes shape plants and animals is one of the most important questions in Biology. In plants, the ability to genetically control the size and shape of organs (such as leaves, flowers, and stem) is also important to improve crop productivity.
Our lab has been studying how regulatory genes shape floral organs and the stem in the model plant Arabidopsis. We found that different genes that control growth of different organs converge on the regulation of a common set of genes, which are likely to function as a general toolbox for plant organ growth. This set of genes implicated in growth of different organs includes a novel class of genes called IQD. Although one member of this gene family has been found to control fruit shape in tomato, the exact molecular and cellular functions of the proteins encoded by IQD genes are not known.
To investigate how IQD genes function, the student will be trained in cutting edge plant developmental genetics, molecular biology, bioinformatics, advanced imaging and quantitative image analysis. The work will give novel insight into the basic processes that drive plant organ growth, which in the long term will help breeders to improve crop yield and harvestability.
The project will take place at the John Innes Centre, a world-leading centre for plant science research with a lively and interactive community, providing plenty of opportunities to build up a professional network both within the institute and externally.
This project has been shortlisted for funding by the Norwich Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (NRPDTP). Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed as part of the studentship competition. Candidates will be interviewed on either the 12th, 13th or 14th January 2016.
The Norwich Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (NRPDTP) offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4 year research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. You will join a vibrant community of world-leading researchers. All NRPDTP students undertake a three month professional internship (PIPS) during their study. The internship offers exciting and invaluable work experience designed to enhance professional development. Full support and advice will be provided by our Professional Internship team. Students with, or expecting to attain, at least an upper second class honours degree, or equivalent, are invited to apply.
For further information and to apply, please visit our website: www.biodtp.norwichresearchpark.ac.uk
Funding Notes
Full Studentships cover a stipend (RCUK rate: £14,057pa - 2015/6), research costs and tuition fees at UK/EU rate, and are available to UK and EU students who meet the UK residency requirements.
Students from EU countries who do not meet the UK residency requirements may be eligible for a fees-only award. Students in receipt of a fees-only award will be eligible for a maintenance stipend awarded by the NRPDTP Bioscience Doctoral Scholarships, which when combined will equal a full studentship. To be eligible students must meet the EU residency requirements. Details on eligibility for funding on the BBSRC website: http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk/documents/studentship-eligibility-pdf/
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