John Innes Centre
4 days ago
PhD in Deciphering Critical Regulators in Wheat Rust Immunity John Innes Centre in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Biochemistry
Funding
Fully funded 4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership PhD studentship. Includes payment of tuition fees directly to the university, a stipend for living expenses at the 2026/27 rate of £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 the Saunders Lab on deciphering critical regulators in wheat rust immunity. The project focuses on plant pathology, wheat genetics, molecular biology, bioinformatics, microbiology, and plant biology, with an emphasis on how branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) influence salicylic acid-mediated defence against yellow rust in wheat.
The research aims to uncover the link between BCAA accumulation and activation of the MYB/SANT transcription factor TaASIL1, and to identify additional BCAA-dependent gene targets. The work is designed to provide new insight into basal plant defence responses and metabolic signalling in wheat.
The student will be embedded in the Saunders Lab at the John Innes Centre in Norwich, United Kingdom, and will gain training across plant pathology, wheat genetics, molecular biology, and bioinformatics in a multidisciplinary environment.
This is a fully funded 4-year PhD studentship through the Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (NRPDTP). Funding includes tuition fees, a living stipend (£21,805 for 2026/27), and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000 per year. The programme also includes a three-month professional internship placement (PIPS).
Eligibility: at least UK equivalent of a Bachelors (Honours) 2:1 and English language proficiency (IELTS 6.5 overall, 6.0 in each category).
Application/interview timeline: the project is shortlisted for funding; shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on 2–4 February 2027. The page directs applicants to the NRPDTP website for full eligibility and application guidance.
Funding details
Fully funded 4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership PhD studentship. Includes payment of tuition fees directly to the university, a stipend for living expenses at the 2026/27 rate of £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: IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each category (language requirement stated).
How to apply
Visit the NRPDTP website for eligibility details and application instructions. Register your interest through the FindAPhD page if you want the university to respond directly. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on 2, 3, and 4 February 2027.
More information can be found here
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