Vertical farming around the clock (DODDJ21CASE)

Vertical farming involves plant growth in stacked indoor facilities that often use artificial lighting and soilfree cultivation methods. We invite applications to a PhD studentship at the John Innes Centre
investigating the impact of the circadian regulation of plant metabolism upon vertical farming. The project will use fundamental science to investigate the role of circadian regulation in the molecules that are exuded by crops into the irrigation systems. This is a BBSRC NRPDTP-funded CASE studentship, based in the laboratory of Antony Dodd and co-supervised by Anne Osbourn, in collaboration with vertical agriculture R&D company LettUs Grow.

The project will combine fundamental research into circadian regulation of the plant genome and
metabolism at the John Innes Centre with experimentation in the experimental vertical farm environment at LettUs Grow. The project has the long-term goal of providing benefits to the vertical farming business whilst making new discoveries and the frontiers of knowledge of the daily co-ordination of plant metabolism. The project is likely to suit a student with interests in gene regulation, metabolism and bioinformatics.

The project will provide training in fundamental plant sciences research with Arabidopsis and a variety of molecular biology, biochemical and bioinformatic approaches for investigating plant gene expression and metabolism. Training will also be provided in specialized methods for investigation of circadian rhythms (e.g. specialist aspects of experimental design, and the mathematical analysis of circadian timecourse data), data synthesis and the preparation, and publication of high-quality research papers. A placement at LettUs Grow in Bristol, to perform experiments and learn about the vertical farming industry, will form the foundation for ongoing collaboration with the company throughout your PhD.

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 CASE students undertake a three to 18-month placement with the non-academic partner during their study. The placement offers experience designed to enhance professional development. 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. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on Thursday 7th January, Friday 8th January and Monday 11th January 2021.

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.