How individuals mature throughout a life-cycle is a key question in developmental biology. Maturation occurs by two mechanisms: discrete transitions between different developmental stages and a continuous aging process. The correct timing of developmental transitions and the rate of aging are controlled by both endogenous and environmental factors, and are critical for survival and reproductive success. In flowering plants there has been considerable research into the regulation of developmental transitions, such as from the juvenile to the adult phase of vegetative development, and the switch from vegetative (when only leafy shoots without flowers are produced) to reproductive growth (floral induction). The aging process for individual organs, termed senescence, has also been well defined. However, due to the high speed at which model plant species like Arabidopsis transition between different stages of growth, it has been difficult to distinguish the shoot-wide effects of aging from those of discrete developmental transitions.
Making use of new genetic lines and technological advances, we will investigate how aging and developmental transitions are coordinated during shoot maturation. Specifically, we will quantify genome-wide changes in gene expression and chromatin accessibility in the meristems of wild type plants (that undergo developmental transitions) and genetic mutants that remain in the juvenile phase. In doing so we will reveal unique and novel signatures of plant aging and make insights into the temporal regulation of plant stem cells. Given the importance of shoot maturation to crop yields (for example through the regulation of plant establishment and the timing and longevity of seed production) the results are likely to have strong potential for improving agricultural outputs. This project will combine fundamental training in plant molecular biology and bioinformatics and is ideal for a candidate looking to acquire essential tools in developmental genetic analysis.
Our aim as the SWBio DTP is to support students from a range of backgrounds and circumstances. Where needed, we will work with you to take into consideration reasonable project adaptations (for example to support caring responsibilities, disabilities, other significant personal circumstances) as well as flexible working and part-time study requests, to enable greater access to a PhD. All our supervisors support us with this aim, so please feel comfortable in discussing further with the listed PhD project supervisor to see what is feasible.
How to apply
To apply, please read the information on the prospectus page of the programme - South West Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (BBSRC) | Study at Bristol | University of Bristol, including the Admissions Statement and the English proficiency requirements.
Then, enter the University of Bristol application portal: Start your application | Study at Bristol | University of Bristol and select the programme “South West Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (PhD)”. You can select any of the entry points, applying to up to 3 projects, although the start date will be in September 2024.
The application deadline is 11:59 pm on 04/12/2023.
You can find more information at the link: How to apply – SWBiosciences Doctoral Training Partnership, selecting “University of Bristol”.
About
The South West Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (SWBio DTP) is led by the University of Bristol, together with the Universities of Bath, Cardiff and Exeter, alongside Rothamsted Research. This partnership also includes the following associate partners; Marine Biological Association (MBA), Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML), SETsquared Bristol, Swansea University, UCB Pharma and University of the West of England (UWE).
These institutions represent a distinctive group of bioscience research staff and students, with established international, national and regional networks, and widely recognised research excellence. As research leaders, we have a strong track record in advancing knowledge through high-quality research and teaching, in partnership with industry and the government.
The programme particularly aims to provide students with outstanding interdisciplinary research training within the following areas - advancing the frontiers of bioscience discovery; bioscience for sustainable agriculture and food; bioscience for an integrated understanding of health. Importantly this research training is also underpinned by transformative technologies, allowing our students to expand the boundaries of their research through innovative tools, technologies and approaches. Our students will be exposed to the expertise of all the partners by visiting / using their facilities, taking part in joint conferences, workshops and taught modules. To further the collaboration between the partnership, cross-institutional PhD projects will be featured that build on the expertise of each partner.
Programme Overview
Programme – SWBiosciences Doctoral Training Partnership
If you have any questions on the scheme, you are welcome to contact Sue Summerill (Graduate Administration Manager, Faculty of Life Sciences) with any questions - [Email Address Removed].
For project-related enquiries, please contact the project supervisor.
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