PhD Studentship: Plant temperature signalling via modulation of small-RNA signalling
University of East Anglia
Primary Supervisor - Professor Steven Penfield Given the accelerating pace of climate change it is important to understand how plants adapt to temperature changes and how to engineer crops to cope with more variable seasonal growth environments. Yet surprisingly, the basic mechanisms by which plants sense and adapt to temperature remain only partly understood. This PhD opportunity will suit candidates interested in studying how plants adapt to changing temperatures, and who wish to learn the latest techniques in...
Primary Supervisor - Professor Steven Penfield Given the accelerating pace of climate change it is important to understand how plants adapt to temperature changes and how to engineer crops to cope with more variable seasonal growth environments. Yet surprisingly, the basic mechanisms by which plants sense and adapt to temperature remain only partly understood. This PhD opportunity will suit candidates interested in studying how plants adapt to changing temperatures, and who wish to learn the latest techniques in...
Opportunity details
Primary Supervisor - Professor Steven Penfield Given the accelerating pace of climate change it is important to understand how plants adapt to temperature changes and how to engineer crops to cope with more variable seasonal growth environments. Yet surprisingly, the basic mechanisms by which plants sense and adapt to temperature remain only partly understood. This PhD opportunity will suit candidates interested in studying how plants adapt to changing temperatures, and who wish to learn the latest techniques in single cell analysis, genomics, chromatin biology and molecular biology. Gene silencing is a fundamental process in all eukaryotes which in plants is necessary for normal development of all organs, and for defence against a range of pathogens. It has been known for some time that the strength of gene silencing is affected by the growth temperature. In this project the successful student will study how this temperature sensitivity adapts the growth and development of plants to seasonal changes in temperature, allowing plants to grow new organs especially adapted to winter, spring, and summer conditions via chromatin modifications. The Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (NRPDTP) is offering fully funded studentships for October 2027 entry. The programme 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 students undertake a three-month professional internship placement (PIPS) during their study. The placement offers exciting and invaluable work experience designed to enhance professional development. Full support and advice will...
Eligibility
At least UK equivalence Bachelors (Honours) 2:1. English Language requirement (Faculty of Science equivalent: IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category). Mode of study Full-time Start date 1 October 2027 Additional Funding Information This project is awarded with a 4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership PhD DTP studentship. The studentship includes payment of tuition fees (directly to the University), a stipend to cover living expenses (2026/27 stipend rate: £21,805, and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000 pa for each year of the studentship.
Requirements
At least UK equivalence Bachelors (Honours) 2:1. English Language requirement (Faculty of Science equivalent: IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category). Mode of study Full-time Start date 1 October 2027 Additional Funding Information This project is awarded with a 4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership PhD DTP studentship. The studentship includes payment of tuition fees (directly to the University), a stipend to cover living expenses (2026/27 stipend rate: £21,805, and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000 pa for each year of the studentship.
Funding and benefits
Funding eligibility: UK Students, EU Students, International Students. Funding amount: £21,805.
Required documents
application form
How to apply
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Benefits
Funding eligibility: UK Students, EU Students, International Students. Funding amount: £21,805.
Eligibility summary
At least UK equivalence Bachelors (Honours) 2:1. English Language requirement (Faculty of Science equivalent: IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category). Mode of study Full-time Start date 1 October 2027 Additional Funding Information This project is awarded with a 4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership PhD DTP studentship. The studentship includes payment of tuition fees (directly to the University), a stipend to cover living expenses (2026/27 stipend rate: £21,805, and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000 pa for each year of the studentship.
Requirements
At least UK equivalence Bachelors (Honours) 2:1. English Language requirement (Faculty of Science equivalent: IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category). Mode of study Full-time Start date 1 October 2027 Additional Funding Information This project is awarded with a 4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership PhD DTP studentship. The studentship includes payment of tuition fees (directly to the University), a stipend to cover living expenses (2026/27 stipend rate: £21,805, and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000 pa for each year of the studentship.
Documents required
application form
Language/test requirements
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