PhD Studentship: Engineering Plant Immunity for Novel Disease Resistance University of East Anglia in United Kingdom

[Fully funded 4-year PhD CASE studentship with tuition fees paid, annual stipend of £20,780 (2025/6 rate), and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000 per year.] This fully funded PhD studentship at the University of East Anglia focuses on engineering plant immunity to develop novel disease resistance in cereal crops, particularly targeting the devastating fungal disease Blast caused by Magnaporthe oryzae. Supervised by Professor Mark Banfield, the project investigates the mechanisms by which newly discovered tandem kinase proteins—intracellular plant immune receptors—recognize pathogen effectors and trigger immune responses. The research combines molecular biology, biochemistry, structural biology, AI-led computational design, in planta assays, and plant pathology to understand and potentially engineer these immune receptors for improved agricultural outcomes.

The project is highly relevant to global food security and sustainable agriculture, addressing the challenges posed by plant diseases in the context of climate change and the need to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The successful candidate will join the Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (NRPDTP), benefiting from a vibrant research community, world-class facilities, and comprehensive professional development opportunities, including a three-month professional internship placement (PIPS).

The studentship covers full tuition fees, a generous annual stipend, and a research training support grant. Applicants should have at least a UK 2:1 Honours degree or equivalent and meet English language requirements (IELTS 6.5 overall, minimum 6 in each category).

The programme starts in October 2026, with interviews for shortlisted candidates scheduled for February 2026. For further details and to apply, candidates should visit the UEA and NRPDTP websites.