John Innes Centre
1 week ago
PhD in RNA localisation and plant cell biology in cold response 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 directly to the university, includes a stipend for living expenses at the 2026/27 rate of £21,805 per year, and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000 per year. Includes a three-month professional internship placement (PIPS).
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, focused on RNA biology, plant biology, plant cell biology, molecular biology, plant genetics, advanced microscopy, quantitative image analysis, and bioinformatics.
The project asks: Where does RNA go in the cold? It investigates the localisation of COOLAIR, a family of antisense long non-coding RNAs produced from the FLC locus, and how RNA spatial organisation changes during winter cold, fluctuating temperatures, and freezing events. The work uses Arabidopsis as the main model and also considers relevance to Brassica crops and plant adaptation to climate variability.
The student will join the Ding laboratory and be supervised by Professor Yiliang Ding, with day-to-day co-supervision from Dr Susan Duncan and collaboration with Professor Caroline Dean. Training includes RNA imaging, fluorescence microscopy, genetics, and computational analysis in a world-leading plant science environment.
This is a fully funded NRPDTP studentship for October 2027 entry. Funding includes tuition fees, a living stipend, and a research training support grant. Applicants should have or expect to obtain at least a 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant bioscience subject, and meet the English language requirement (IELTS 6.5 overall, 6.0 in each category).
To apply, visit the NRPDTP website, review eligibility and application guidance, and use the required personal and research statement templates. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed on 2–4 February 2027.
Funding details
Fully funded 4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership PhD studentship. Covers tuition fees directly to the university, includes a stipend for living expenses at the 2026/27 rate of £21,805 per year, and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000 per year. Includes a three-month professional internship placement (PIPS).
What's required
Applicants should have or expect to obtain at least a UK-equivalent Bachelors (Honours) 2:1 in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Plant Science, Genetics or a related discipline. English language requirement is IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each category.
How to apply
Visit the NRPDTP website for eligibility details and application instructions. Use the bespoke personal and research statement templates required for this programme. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on 2–4 February 2027.
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Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.