Prof M Banfield
No more applications being accepted
Competition Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)
About the Project
Plant diseases are a continuous threat to food production and a major constraint on achieving global food security. One approach to addressing the problems caused by plant diseases is to understand the molecular basis of communication between the pathogen and host. Recently, rice HIPs/HIPPs (heavy metal-associated plant proteins, heavy metal-associated isoprenylated plant proteins) were shown to be targeted by host-translocated pathogen effector proteins from the rice blast pathogen (Magnaporthe oryzae), presumably to promote disease. M. oryzae is the most devastating disease of rice, estimated to destroy enough of this crop to feed >212 million people annually. We understand very little about the function of rice HIPs/HIPPs, either in natural host cell physiology or in disease. This project will involve a systematic investigation the fundamental function of specific rice (and potentially other crop) HIPs/HIPPs by assaying their cellular localisation, post-translational modification, interactors, and how these activities maybe perturbed by the pathogen. There will also be opportunities to investigate how HIPs/HIPPs can be re-purposed for plant immunity. The studentship will involve techniques including molecular biology, confocal microscopy, proteomics, biochemistry and structural biology. There will also be the opportunity to work with national and international collaborators.
The student will receive expert training in diverse disciplines on a strategically relevant topic, within a stimulating research environment. They will join a team of researchers with shared interests and have access to world-class facilities. Further, it is expected they will attend national and international conferences to present their research.
This project has been shortlisted for funding by the Norwich Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (NRPDTP). Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed as part of the studentship competition. Candidates will be interviewed on either the 8th, 9th or 10th January 2019.
The NRP DTP offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year 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 students undertake a three-month professional internship (PIPS) during their study. The internship offers exciting and invaluable work experience designed to enhance professional development. Full support and advice will be provided by our Professional Internship team. Students with, or expecting to attain, at least an upper second-class honours degree, or equivalent, are invited to apply.
For further information and to apply, please visit our website: www.biodtp.norwichresearchpark.ac.uk
Funding Notes
For funding eligibility guidance, please visit our website: http://biodtp.norwichresearchpark.ac.uk/how-to-apply/funding-and-eligibility. Full Studentships cover a stipend (UKRI rate: £14,777pa – 2018/9), research costs and tuition fees at UK/EU rate and are available to UK and EU students who meet the UK residency requirements.
Students from EU countries who do not meet the UK residency requirements may be eligible for a fees-only award. Students in receipt of a fees-only award will be eligible for a maintenance stipend awarded by the NRPDTP Bioscience Doctoral Scholarships. To be eligible students must meet the EU residency requirements.
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