PhD Studentship in Plant Molecular Biology - Molecular Responses of Developing Seeds to Heat Stress

Award summary

100% of Home tuition fees, and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £17,668 (for 2022-23, UKRI rate; under review for 2023-24).

Overview

Climate change is causing more extreme weather and higher occurrence of unfavourable growing conditions, with global temperatures projected to rise further and by almost 5oC by 2100. Plant growth, development and reproduction are sensitive to fluctuations in temperature; even small changes in temperature may lead to cellular and molecular responses that can adversely affect plant productivity and yield.

Developing seeds are particularly sensitive to heat stress (HS). Depending on the stage of seed development at which the stress is perceived, HS leads to altered pattern of seed growth, developmental defects, reduced seed size and loss of viability; in crops such effects result in large seed yield losses. These defects suggest major developmental perturbations and transcriptional changes in the seed. However, how HS is perceived and translated to a molecular response in the seed is largely unknown.

The aim of this project is to discover the molecular processes underpinning the responses to HS of developing seeds of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. We will adopt methodologies for tissue-specific transcriptomics, combined with molecular biology, biochemistry and bioimaging to identify and characterise tissue-specific cellular processes affected by HS in developing Arabidopsis seeds, leading to perturbed development and loss of seed viability. 

Number of awards: 1

Start date: 18^th September 2023

Award duration: 3 years

Sponsor: Newcastle University

Supervisors: Dr. Vasilios Andriotis, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences

Eligibility criteria:

You must have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 honours degree or international equivalent in Plant Science, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or similar.

Applicants whose first language is not English require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all sub-skills.

The studentship covers fees at the Home rate (UK, and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status meeting the residency criteria).

International applicants are welcome to apply but will need to cover the difference between Home and International fees. They may also require an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme).

How to apply

You must apply through the University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal

Once registered, select ‘Create a Postgraduate Application’.

Use ‘Course Search’ to identify your programme of study:

• Search for the ‘Course Title’ using the programme code: 8020F
• Research area: Biological Sciences
• Select ‘PhD Biology (Full-Time) – Biological Sciences’ as the programme of study

In the ‘Further Details’ section please include

• A ‘Personal Statement’ (mandatory) - upload a document or write a statement directly in to the application form, describing your motivation to apply for this programme, and how your interests and experience relate to the project.
• The studentship code SNES253 in the ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’ field.
• When prompted regarding your research proposal - select ‘Write Proposal’ and type in the title of the research project from this advert. You do not need to upload a research proposal.

In the English language section, please include a copy of your English language qualifications if English is not your first language.

In the Supporting Documentation section, please include a copy of your CV.

Contact details

For informal enquiries and information please contact: vasilios.andriotis@newcastle.ac.uk, including ‘PhD programme SNES253’ in the email subject line.

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