Calcium is one of the most common secondary messengers involved in cell signalling in plants. A first response to a vast array of abiotic and biotic stresses includes changes in cytosolic calcium concentrations that regulate downstream processes. That so many processes seem to be governed by the change in the concentration of calcium has given rise to what has been called the calcium specificity problem: how can one ion species be responsible for conveying such diverse developmental processes and differentially active different pathways?
The aim of this PhD project is to develop a deeper understanding of how calcium signals are interpreted by cells and decoded into specific biological responses in plants. The project will focus on a calcium- and calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CCaMK) in the model plant Medicago truncatula, and will study the mechanism by which CCaMK is regulated by calcium and how this allows the decoding of specific calcium signals.
This project will combine molecular biology, biochemistry and mathematical modelling, and will provide the student with excellent opportunities for multi-disciplinary training in plant molecular genetics, biochemical techniques and synthetic biology, as well as computational modelling approaches.
The NRPDTP is offering fully-funded studentships for October 2022 entry. All NRPDTP students undertake a three-month professional internship placement (PIPS) during their study and are offered opportunities to enhance professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. Students with, or expecting to attain, at least an upper second class honours degree, or equivalent, are invited to apply.
Please note that all international awards have been made for our programme for 2022 entry so we will not be accepting applications from international candidates, as defined by UKRI’s International Eligibility criteria for UKRI funded studentships (Annex B).
This project has been shortlisted for funding by the NRPDTP. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on 27July 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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