Plant Cell Biology PhD Research Projects for Self-funded Students

Structure-function analysis of a plant virus RNA transport protein

The James Hutton Institute Postgraduate Training

Background. Plants form the basis of human nutrition but crop yields are increasingly under threat from climate change and the associated shifts in pathogen distributions. Read more

Supervisors: Dr J Tilsner, Dr J Bos

14 June 2024 PhD Research Project Competition Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)

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Somatic evolution in plants

Anglia Ruskin University ARU School of Life Sciences

Fixed term contract for 3 years, commencing September 2024. Bursary of £19,237 per annum and a full fee-waiver for UK tuition fees. Read more

Supervisor: Dr M Carter-Brown

31 May 2024 PhD Research Project Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)

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Self-funded PhD- Re-engineering Golgi dynamics in plants – investigating the role of myosin receptors

University of Bristol School of Biological Sciences

The growing global population requires the development of novel strategies to sustainably increase food production. Organelle movement is dynamic and linked to changes in cell size, plant biomass and in response to factors which affect food production such as pathogens (Perico and Sparkes, New Phytol. Read more

Supervisor: Dr I Sparkes

Year round applications PhD Research Project Self-Funded PhD Students Only

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Self-funded MSc R- Re-engineering Golgi dynamics in plants – investigating the role of myosin receptors

University of Bristol School of Biological Sciences

The growing global population requires the development of novel strategies to sustainably increase food production. Organelle movement is dynamic and linked to changes in cell size, plant biomass and in response to factors which affect food production such as pathogens (Perico and Sparkes, New Phytol. Read more

Supervisor: Dr I Sparkes

Year round applications PhD Research Project Self-Funded PhD Students Only

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Investigating the role of SUMOylation in meiotic recombination and chromosome segregation in Arabidopsis

University of Leicester Department of Genetics and Genome Biology

Research Group: Midlands Integrative Biosciences Training Partnership (MIBTP)

Post-translational modifications of proteins such as phosphorylation, methylation and acetylation have been extensively studied in eukaryotes and now the Small Ubiquitin modifier (SUMO) is gaining attention for its importance in fundamental biological roles. Read more

Supervisors: Dr J Higgins, Dr D Guttery

23 May 2024 PhD Research Project Competition Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)

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Unlocking the genetic potential of barley by modulating recombination

University of Leicester Department of Genetics and Genome Biology

Barley is a major worldwide crop used for malting and animal feed. However, breeding new varieties is constrained by the frequency of genetic crossovers (1-3 crossovers per chromosome pair) and their distribution (biased towards the chromosome ends) that underpin crop improvement1,2. Read more

Supervisors: Dr J Higgins, Dr D Guttery

23 May 2024 PhD Research Project Competition Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)

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Enhancing meiotic recombination in wheat by modulating RECQ helicases

University of Leicester Department of Genetics and Genome Biology

Wheat accounts for 20% of the calories and protein consumed by humans and is the largest crop in the UK, but yields have plateaued and are susceptible to decline due to extreme weather conditions. Read more

Supervisors: Dr J Higgins, Dr D Guttery

23 May 2024 PhD Research Project Competition Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)

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Untangling the role of beta-1,3 glucan polymers in intercellular communication

University of Leeds Faculty of Biological Sciences

Apply to join the Benitez-Alfonso team in their quest to dissect the mechanisms underpinning the function of beta-1,3 glucan polymers in plant growth and development. . Read more

Supervisor: Dr Y Benitez-Alfonso

Year round applications PhD Research Project Self-Funded PhD Students Only

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Understanding the soil microbiome under controlled light conditions

University of Greenwich Faculty of Engineering and Science

Our research group is working within a consortium that is testing semi-transparent solar installations on crop growth-houses, to enhance biological and financial resilience in protected farming. Read more

Supervisors: Dr C.V.S. Supamaniam, Dr E Thompson

24 June 2024 PhD Research Project Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)

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Doctoral (PhD) position - impact of biocontrol agents on diseases of ryegrass

University College Dublin School of Biology and Environmental Science

Irish agriculture is mainly grassland-based, and is key to the success of the dairy, beef, and sheep sectors. The Irish Climate Action Plan, the EU Green Deal, and the EU Farm to Fork strategy has placed ambitious reduction targets for the use of chemical inputs in the form of fertilisers and pesticides in grasslands. Read more

Supervisor: Prof F M Doohan

Year round applications PhD Research Project Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)

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Ticking clocks, thriving crops: Developing climate-resilient crops through circadian biology. (DODD_J24DTP)

John Innes Centre Graduate Programme

Climate change poses a significant threat to our food supply, but you can be part of the solution! In this groundbreaking research project, we're investigating how plants adapt to changing seasons and temperatures, with a focus on ensuring robust crop production despite environmental challenges. Read more

Supervisor: Dr A Dodd

9 May 2024 PhD Research Project Competition Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)

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Signalling mechanism enhancing root nodule symbiosis (CHARPENTIER_J24DTP)

John Innes Centre Graduate Programme

Nitrogen (N) acquisition is fundamental for plant growth. However, N is poorly available in soils, leading to extensive and costly chemical fertiliser applications. Read more

Supervisor: Dr M Charpentier

9 May 2024 PhD Research Project Competition Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)

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