The Sainsbury Laboratory

The Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL) is a world-leader in plant science research, particularly in plant health discovery for a sustainable future. TSL is an independent research institute of approximately 100 research scientists and support staff. It is funded by the Gatsby Charitable Foundation and is located on the Norwich Research Park with close links with the University of East Anglia and the John Innes Centre.

TSL prides itself on the quality of its fundamental scientific research together with its commitment to deliver applied science solutions to reduce crop losses from plant diseases across the globe, including in low-income countries.

TSL is dedicated to making discoveries in molecular plant-microbe interactions. It favours daring, long-term research and has state-of-the- art technologies and support services to enable cutting-edge science. It is advocates highly collaborative research and open science. TSL provides an outstanding training environment that prepares postgraduate research students to excel in their careers.

In addition to these institute-led studentships, TSL has an open call to hear from highly motivated individuals interested in doing a postgraduate research degree at any time. If you have a great research idea for an applicant-led postgraduate PhD, MPhil (two years) or MSc by research (one year) degree, please email one of our Group Leaders directly. Not only do we welcome applicants who have secured their own funding but TSL also has the scope to fund the very best ideas.

Our students register for their degrees at the neighbouring University of East Anglia and enjoy all of the benefits that the University has to offer as well as being a part of TSL’s research community.

If you have yet to gain the necessary skills and experience required to undertake a PhD, TSL also offers Predoctoral Internships to help develop those with the greatest research promise.