Sowing wildflower seeds is an essential part of our efforts to rewild urban landscapes and restore biodiversity, but how can we make sure that our efforts are not in vain?
This exciting PhD opportunity aims to clarify the economic and environmental value that wildflower seedstocks and newly restored habitats provide. The student will work with partners at the Eden Project to investigate the commercial seed production lifecycle and its potential narrowing effect in genetic diversity.
The commercial wildflower seedstock that is sown in environmental and urban restoration projects may suffer from a narrow genetic base and reduced adaptive potential because of limited founders and unconscious selection during multiplication.
We will compare the genetic diversity in wildflower seedstock and some of the original sites it was sourced, and test how these wildflower populations perform in different environments and soils in controlled conditions. We will explore phenotypic and transcriptional differences between selected wildflower species in variable environmental conditions, focusing on a “warmer and drier” future scenario.
This PhD project will provide the student with expertise in plant genomics and evolutionary biology using cutting-edge sequencing and phenotyping methods. The project is a collaboration between the Earlham Institute, the School of Biology – University of East Anglia, and the Eden Project in Cornwall. The unique combined expertise will provide the student with excellent training in genomics, bioinformatics, evolutionary biology, and general plant sciences (phenomics, experimental design, statistical analysis, horticultural experiments, etc.), with a strong focus on bioinformatics and data applications, and spanning public outreach and community engagement.
The student will be part of the growing cohort of PhD students at Earlham Institute, a research institute at the Norwich Research Park focused on decoding biodiversity and exploring living systems by applying bioinformatics, data, and biotechnology, with unique computing and training platforms.
The Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (NRPDTP) is open to UK and international candidates for entry October 2021 and offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year PhD 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 placement (PIPS) during their study. The placement 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.
This project has been shortlisted for funding by the NRPDTP programme. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on Tuesday 25th January, Wednesday 26th January and Thursday 27th January 2022.
Visit our website for further information on eligibility and how to apply: https://biodtp.norwichresearchpark.ac.uk/
Our partners value diverse and inclusive work environments that are positive and supportive. Students are selected for admission without regard to gender, marital or civil partnership status, disability, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or social background.
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