We are currently accepting applications for a three-year self-funded PhD Project available to start 1st October 2023.
Project Description
Salinification is a global problem affecting over 20% of irrigated agriculture with yield reductions in the range of 15-20%. Identification of crop plant genes for biotechnological application and selection of improved varieties for salinity tolerance must be achieved under conditions representative of those crops experience in the field. Most studies investigating salinity stress use sodium chloride (NaCl) and do not include the other ions found in saline soils. Nonetheless these ions are present at contribute to modulate the physiologic effects of high NaCl concentrations and remarkably little is known about crop plant response to natural salt stress. There therefore is an urgent need to assess to what extent NaCl stress is an adequate method to understand how crops face salinity stress. This project will examine whether crop response and acclimation mechanisms vary between plants exposed to NaCl and more representative salt stress treatments.
Essential requirements
Applicants should ideally have a good undergraduate or Master’s degree in Biology, Botany, Environmental Sciences, Biochemistry, or similar. Candidate requirements for this position include some basic understanding of plant biochemistry/plant stress physiology; the ability to conduct experimental work independently and as part of a team; excellent oral and written communication skills in English and experience using R for statistical, graphical and modelling.
If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum English requirements for the programme, academic IELTS score of 6.5 (with no less than 5.5 in each component test area) or equivalent.
To Apply
To apply for this position please visit here.
Please clearly state the name of the DoS and the project title that you are applying for on the top of your personal statement.
Please see here for a list of supporting documents to upload with your application.
If you wish to discuss this project further informally, please contact Dr Anne Plessis, [Email Address Removed].
For more information on the admissions process generally, please visit our How to Apply for a Research Degree webpage or contact the Doctoral College.
The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 1st June 2023. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview later in June. We regret that we may not be able to respond to all applications. Applicants who have not received a response within six weeks of the closing date should consider their application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.
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