At a Glance
- Tasks: Explore plant disease mechanisms using cutting-edge single-cell transcriptomics and advanced imaging techniques.
- Company: Join a collaborative research environment at Norwich Research Park, committed to equality and open science.
- Benefits: Fully funded 4-year PhD studentship with stipend, tuition coverage, and research training support.
- Other info: Gain professional development through internships and mentorship in a dynamic research setting.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global food security by tackling devastating plant diseases.
- Qualifications: Must have at least a 2:1 Bachelor's degree.
The predicted salary is between 21805 - 21805 £ per year.
With the human population projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, the looming challenge of feeding the rapidly growing population is threatened by plant pathogens, which cause significant losses in crop yield each year. While controlling microbial pathogens is essential for sustainable agriculture and global food security, developing durable disease resistance requires a deep understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying pathogenesis.
This project will utilize single cell transcriptomics and advanced live cell imaging approaches in combination with classic genetics and molecular biology to understand how the Phytophthora pathogens cause disease in plants. Phytophthora causes numerous destructive diseases including potato late blight and sudden oak death. Worldwide losses due to potato late blight disease alone are estimated to exceed $5 billion annually. By investigating the intricate interactions between Phytophthora and plant hosts at a single-cell level, the project will reveal fundamental principles of Phytophthora pathogenesis and offer new opportunities to develop disease control strategies. The gained knowledge will contribute to battling Phytophthora diseases and enhancing global food security.
This project offers broad training on cutting-edge, interdisciplinary technologies as well as transferable skills to enhance career planning and professional development. Excellent support both intellectually and technically will be offered by experienced mentors and support teams. The student will be immersed in a highly collaborative research environment at TSL, NRP and UEA with a strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and to open science and excellence in science.
Program Details
The Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (NRPDTP) is offering fully funded studentships for October 2026 entry. The programme provides a 4-year PhD research project with professional development and research skills training. All NRPDTP students undertake a three-month professional internship placement (PIPS) during their study, with full support from the 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. The NRPDTP website provides these details: https://biodtp.norwichresearchpark.ac.uk/
Entry Requirements
At least a 2:1 Bachelors degree.
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 per year for each year of the studentship.
Closing Date
30 July 2026
