The spatial arrangement of leaves and branches is a critical determinant of light distribution in the crop canopy and hence, potential photosynthetic productivity. For this reason, the pathways regulating the number, length and in particular, the angle of growth of shoot organs is an important target in crop improvement programmes. Research in the Kepinski and Bennett groups at the University of Leeds has defined how hormonal signaling systems regulate important components of shoot development. This project will develop and extend this work, based initially in Arabidopsis, to generate technologies for the optimization of crop canopy architecture in species including oilseed rape, maize and wheat. During the project the student will learn to use a range of techniques from forward genetic screening and the generation of fluorescent reporter lines to cell biology, including state-of-the-art bioimaging. This exciting project offers the opportunity to make important discoveries about the fundamental determinants of plant form that address the global challenge of feeding a growing population, sustainably.
Funding Note
This studentship is part of the BBSRC White Rose Doctoral Training Partnership in Mechanistic Biology. (https://www.whiterose-mechanisticbiology-dtp.ac.uk/). Appointed candidates will be fully-funded for 4 years. The funding includes:
Tax-free annual UKRI stipend (£15,609 for 2021/22 starts. Awards increase every year, typically with inflation).
UK tuition fees (Around £4,500 per year)
Research Training and Support Grant (RTSG)
Conference and Professional Internships for PhD Students (PIPS) allowances
We aim to support the most outstanding applicants from inside and outside the UK. We are able to offer a limited number of bursaries that will enable full studentships to be awarded to international applicants. These full studentships will only be awarded to exceptional quality candidates, due to the competitive nature of this scheme.
Not all projects will be funded; the DTP will appoint a limited number of candidates via a competitive process.
How to apply
Applicants should complete an online application form and attach the following documentation to support their application.
- a full academic CV
- degree certificate and transcripts of marks
- Evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (if applicable).
To help us identify that you are applying for this studentship project please ensure you provide the following information on your application form;
- Select PhD in Biological Sciences as your programme of study
- Give the full project title and name the supervisors listed in this advert
- For source of funding please state you are applying for a White Rose BBSRC DTP funded studentship