At a Glance
- Tasks: Research and disrupt disease susceptibility genes to protect wheat from fungal pathogens.
- Company: Join the innovative Saunders Lab at the prestigious John Innes Centre.
- Benefits: Fully funded PhD, competitive stipend, and research training support.
- Other info: Engage in a comprehensive training programme with a professional internship for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global food security while developing diverse research skills.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree with 2:1 or higher in a relevant field.
The predicted salary is between 21805 - 21805 £ per year.
Every year fungal pathogens destroy 10–23% of all major calorie and commodity crops. Traditionally, to limit fungal disease outbreaks resistance genes have been introgressed into crops, which is a slow process, and the resistance conferred is frequently overcome through emergence of new pathogen races. An increasingly attractive alternative is to identify and disrupt disease susceptibility genes (S-gene) that are targeted by plant pathogens to promote their growth and infection. Thus, S-gene disruption often confers broad, durable, non-race specific resistance that is very difficult for pathogens to overcome.
We recently identified the wheat isocitrate lyase gene (TaICL) as a potential S-gene that when disrupted prevented infection by the wheat yellow rust pathogen (Puccinia striiformis f.sp. tritici, Pst). TaICL disruption led to elevation in glyoxylate cycle intermediates, and we found these compounds can also act to inhibit Pst infection.
Project Objectives
- Evaluate how TaICL disruption leads to reduction in Pst infection progression.
- Establish whether other genes in the glyoxylate cycle could be manipulated as additional sources of wheat rust resistance.
- Determine the breadth and suitability of TaICL‑B disruption as a new source of resistance against the wheat rusts and beyond.
This project provides a unique opportunity to generate fundamental knowledge with potential for immediate practical application in resistance breeding. While the student will be embedded in the Saunders Lab at the John Innes Centre, which is a multidisciplinary research lab, the student will develop extensive skills in a breadth of areas, including plant pathology, molecular biology, cell biology and basic computational biology.
Training Programme
The Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (NRPDTP) offers a fully funded four‑year PhD research studentship. Students partake in a comprehensive training programme that includes a three‑month professional internship placement (PIPS) to enhance research skills and professional development. The programme provides full support and advice from the Professional Internship team.
Entry Requirements
UK equivalence Bachelors (Honours) 2:1, or higher.
Mode of Study
Full‑time
Start Date
1 October 2026
Funding and Salary
This studentship includes payment of tuition fees directly to the university, a stipend to cover living expenses (£21,805 for 2026/7), and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000 per annum for each year of the studentship.
PhD Studentship: Safeguarding Wheat Yields from Cereal Fungal Invaders (SAUNDERS_J26DTP3) in Norwich employer: Technical University of Denmark
The University is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With the flexibility of hybrid working and generous leave entitlements, including 36 days off, staff are encouraged to maintain a healthy work-life balance while contributing to the academic success of students in the Faculty of History.
Contact Details:
Technical University of Denmark Recruitment Team
