John Innes Centre
5 days ago
Fully Funded PhD in Plant Cell Biology and Plasmodesmata-Mediated Immune Responses John Innes Centre in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Molecular Biology
Funding
Fully funded 4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership PhD studentship. Covers tuition fees paid directly to the university, a stipend for living expenses (2026/27 rate: £21,805), and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000 per year.
Deadline
Nov 30, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
John Innes Centre

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About this position
PhD opportunity at the John Innes Centre in Norwich, United Kingdom, within the Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (NRPDTP).
The project asks how connections between plant cells and their neighbours control how a cell responds, focusing on plasmodesmata, cell-to-cell connectivity, and immune-associated gene expression. The research explores how plasmodesmal opening/closure affects the movement of molecules between cells and how this relates to plant responses to pathogens and environmental or developmental changes.
Working with Prof Christine Faulkner and the Faulkner lab, the student will use molecular biology, bioinformatics, genetics, and quantitative imaging to investigate plasmodesmal function and immune responses. The project aims to generate new hypotheses and mechanistic insight into how cell-to-cell connectivity underpins immune success in different leaves of a plant.
This is a fully funded 4-year PhD studentship for October 2027 entry. Funding includes tuition fees, a living stipend, and a Research Training Support Grant. The programme also includes a three-month professional internship placement (PIPS) and comprehensive training.
Eligibility highlights include at least a UK-equivalent Bachelors (Honours) 2:1 and the required English language level (IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each category). The project has been shortlisted for funding, and shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on 2, 3, and 4 February 2027.
Applicants should review the NRPDTP website for full eligibility criteria and application guidance, and must use the bespoke Personal and Research statement templates provided there.
Funding details
Fully funded 4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership PhD studentship. Covers tuition fees paid directly to the university, a stipend for living expenses (2026/27 rate: £21,805), and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000 per year.
What's required
At least UK equivalent of a Bachelors (Honours) 2:1. English language requirement for Faculty of Science equivalent: IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each category. Full-time study is required.
How to apply
Visit the NRPDTP website for eligibility details and application instructions. Use the bespoke Personal and Research statement templates required for this application. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on 2–4 February 2027.
More information can be found here
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