PhD Studentship: Vanishing Virulence: Investigating Pathogenicity Loss in a Plant Pathogenic Fungus

Primary supervisor - Dr Nick Talbot

What makes a plant killer lose its edge? This project will investigate why fungal pathogens lose virulence when they are grown in laboratory culture away from their host plant. Use cutting-edge molecular biology and genomics, we will try to solve a decades-old mystery in plant pathology.

Many plant disease-causing fungi lose their ability to cause disease if they are cultured for prolonged periods in artificial media away from their plant host. The reasons for this, however, are completely unknown, but probably linked to genomic rearrangements, transposon activity or perhaps epigenetic changes. This project will investigate the phenomenon using the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe (Syn. Pyricularia) oryzae, which destroys enough rice each year to feed 60 million people, threatening global food security.

We will identify the genetic and epigenetic changes associated with prolonged sub-culture of the blast fungus using comparative genome analysis and thereby define the mechanisms associated with loss of virulence, as well as identifying novel genetic determinants of pathogenicity.

The project will provide broad training in molecular genetics, genomics, cell biology, and plant-microbe interactions. Intellectually, the project provides a challenge in understanding how genomic instability reshapes fungal virulence in a plant pathogenic fungus.

The Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (NRPDTP) is offering fully funded studentships for October 2026 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 be provided by our Professional Internship team. 

This project has been shortlisted for funding by the NRPDTP. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on 25 or 26 August 2026. 

Visit our website for further information on eligibility and how to apply. Please note the guidance for the programme Personal and Research Statements, which the programme template documents must be used in the application. 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. 

To maximise accessibility and attract students from underrepresented groups to our programme we use bespoke templates for applicant Personal and Research statements which will enable every applicant to fully represent themselves through providing suitable examples and evidence. These forms are on the NRPDTP website only and must be used for these sections of the application form.

Entry requirements: At least UK equivalence Bachelors (Honours) 2:1.

Start Date: 1 October 2026

Funding Details

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 (2026/7 stipend rate: £21,805), and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000 pa for each year of the studentship.

Closing Date: 30 July 2026

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