PhD Position in Investigating Fusarium Graminearum Navigation Through Restricted Cell Space

Contract1 month ago
PhD Position Information

About the Opportunity

The University of Exeter, in partnership with the BBSRC South West Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (SWBio DTP), invites applications for a fully funded PhD studentship. This program offers outstanding interdisciplinary bioscience training, combining transformative technologies with cutting-edge research projects to address pressing global challenges.

This specific project focuses on Fusarium graminearum (Fg), a fungal pathogen responsible for Fusarium head blight (FHB), a devastating disease affecting wheat crops globally. Crop diseases like FHB cause annual losses of ~15% in total crop yield and pose a serious threat to global food security. This research aims to advance our understanding of how Fg hyphae navigate plant cell walls, a critical step in the infection process.

Join a multidisciplinary team of researchers and gain experience in advanced techniques, including dual RNA sequencing, microfluidics, confocal microscopy, and mathematical modeling. This project represents a unique opportunity to contribute to global food security by uncovering the molecular and cellular mechanisms of pathogen colonization in crops.

Key Responsibilities

As a PhD candidate, you will:

  • Investigate cellular and molecular signaling mechanisms that enable Fusarium graminearum to traverse plasmodesmata in plant cell walls.
  • Utilize state-of-the-art tools and techniques, including fungal reporter strains, gene deletion mutants, dual wheat-Fg RNA sequencing, light/confocal microscopy, and microfluidics chip technology.
  • Analyze microscopy data to understand Fg-wheat interactions and infection dynamics.
  • Quantify and mathematically model Fg hyphal growth on microfluidic chips and in wheat tissue.
  • Disseminate research findings through publications and conference presentations.
  • Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team and engage with external partners as part of the SWBio DTP program.

Eligibility Requirements

We are hiring a highly motivated and ambitious candidates who meet the following criteria:

Academic Background:

  • Essential: A minimum of a 2:1 honors degree (or international equivalent) in biological sciences, molecular biology, plant sciences, microbiology, or a related discipline.
  • Desirable: A Master’s degree in a relevant field and/or prior experience in plant pathology, molecular biology, or computational modeling.

Skills and Experience:

  • A strong interest in molecular plant pathology, fungal biology, and crop protection.
  • Familiarity with molecular biology techniques (e.g., RNA sequencing, gene editing) and microscopy methods (e.g., confocal imaging) is advantageous.
  • Basic computational and mathematical modeling skills, with experience in software such as R, Python, or MATLAB, would be beneficial.

Eligibility:

  • Open to UK, EU, and international applicants.
  • Note: Full funding, including stipend and tuition fees, is available for UK and eligible EU applicants. International applicants must cover the difference between home and international tuition fees.

What We Offer

  • Funding Details:
    • Full tuition fees (UK/EU) and a tax-free stipend of £19,237 per annum (2024/2025 rate).
    • Additional funding for research expenses, conference attendance, and training opportunities.
  • World-Class Research Environment:
    • Be part of the SWBio DTP, a collaborative partnership between leading universities, research institutes, and industry partners across the South West and Wales.
    • Access state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure at the University of Exeter.
  • Professional Development:
    • Structured training programs designed to equip you with advanced technical and transferable skills.
    • Opportunities for fieldwork, collaboration with external researchers, and industrial placements.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following via the University of Exeter’s online application portal:

  1. Cover Letter: Clearly outline your motivation for applying, relevant skills, and career aspirations.
  2. CV: Include details of your academic qualifications, research experience, and any publications or presentations.
  3. Academic Transcripts: Provide copies of all relevant degree certificates and transcripts.
  4. References: Include contact details for two academic referees.

Important Note:

  • A separate research proposal is NOT required for this application.
  • Applications will be shared with the project’s funding body and any external members of the supervisory team.

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