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Up to 30% off — ends 2 Aug
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Harper Adams University
6 days ago
PhD in Pathogen Interactions, Potato Defence and Sustainable Pest Management Harper Adams University in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Molecular Biology
Funding
Full funding availableCountry
United Kingdom
University
Harper Adams University

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About this position
PhD opportunity in Agricultural Sciences / Plant Pathology / Biology at Harper Adams University and the James Hutton Institute.
This fully funded PhD is part of the CIC-START industrial doctoral training programme and focuses on pathogen interactions in potato systems to improve potato defence and develop sustainable pest management solutions. The project investigates how potato cyst nematodes (Globodera spp.), Pectobacterium spp. (blackleg/soft rot), and related pathogens interact with host plants and with each other.
Research themes include host-pathogen interactions, root exudates, plant defence elicitors, molecular biology, microscopy, plant pathology, nematology, bacterial biology, mass spectrometry, and greenhouse-based validation. The student will use laboratory and greenhouse methods to identify chemical attractants/deterrents, characterise changes in host root diffusates, and test whether elicitors can trigger defence responses against multiple pathogens including PCN, blackleg, and late blight.
The project is based at the James Hutton Institute with some time at Harper Adams University, Centre for Crop and Environmental Science. Facilities include dedicated microscopy and genome technology resources. The work is designed to generate biologically derived tools for integrated pest management and sustainable crop protection.
Funding: Fully funded by BBSRC/UKRI, with a stipend at the UKRI rate of £21,805, full fees, and a small research budget. Applications are open to both UK and overseas candidates, though there is a cap on international recruitment under UKRI rules.
Apply now if you are interested in potato pathology, plant defence, and sustainable agriculture.
Funding details
Full funding including tuition fees and living expenses is available for this position. The scholarship covers all educational costs and provides a monthly stipend.
How to apply
Please submit your application including a cover letter, CV, academic transcripts, and contact information for two references. Applications should be sent via the online portal before the deadline.
More information can be found here
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