PhD in Exploiting Pathogen Interactions to Boost Potato Defence and Develop Sustainable Pest Management Solutions (CIC-START 26G) Harper Adams University in United Kingdom

This fully funded PhD project, part of the CIC-START industrial doctoral training programme, focuses on exploiting pathogen interactions to enhance potato defence and develop sustainable pest management solutions. The research is a collaboration between the James Hutton Institute and Harper Adams University, with additional industrial partnership from Agrii. The student will be primarily based at the James Hutton Institute, with time spent at Harper Adams University’s Centre for Crop and Environmental Science.

The project addresses the significant agricultural challenge posed by potato cyst nematodes (PCN) and bacterial pathogens such as Pectobacterium and Dickeya, which cause major losses in potato production. Interestingly, simultaneous infection by both types of pathogens is rare, suggesting complex host-pathogen interactions. The research will investigate how PCN and bacterial pathogens interact with potato plants, focusing on the role of root exudates and plant defence elicitors.

Key objectives include identifying molecular interactions between potato pathogens, characterising changes in host root exudates following infection, and developing assays to compare plant defence responses. The project will utilise novel 3D-printed chemotaxis chambers and tandem mass spectrometry to analyse chemical attractants and deterrents in root diffusates. A library of plant defence elicitors will be tested to evaluate their effectiveness in priming plant defences against a range of pathogens, including nematodes, bacteria, and oomycetes. Greenhouse studies will assess the scalability of these findings for integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.

The student will gain hands-on experience in molecular biology, microscopy, plant pathology, and data analysis, benefiting from state-of-the-art facilities at both institutions. The research outcomes aim to inform the development of new, biologically-derived pathogen controls for sustainable agriculture.

This opportunity is fully funded by BBSRC/UKRI, covering a stipend at the UKRI rate (£21,805), tuition fees, and a research budget. Applications are open to both UK and international candidates, though a cap applies to international admissions. Applicants should have a strong background in biological sciences, agriculture, or a related field, and meet English language requirements if applicable. The application deadline is 3 April 2026.

For more information and to apply, visit the project page or contact the supervisory team for informal enquiries.