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Ben Miller

12 months ago

PhD Studentship - Understanding the Evolution of Calcium Signal Decoding Mechanisms in Plants University of East Anglia in United Kingdom

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Cell Biology

Funding

Available

Deadline

Dec 2, 2026

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Country

United Kingdom

University

University of East Anglia

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PhD opportunity at the University of East Anglia in the School of Biological Sciences on understanding the evolution of calcium signal decoding mechanisms in plants . The project is supervised by Dr Ben Miller and focuses on how plants use calcium signalling to respond to environmental stimuli and stresses, with a particular emphasis on the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha . This research combines molecular genetics , cell biology , and biochemistry to dissect calcium signalling and decoding mech...

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Keywords

Cell Biology
Biochemistry
Molecular Biology
Plant Biology
Biology
Gene Expression
Calcium Signaling
Doctoral Studies
Network Biology
Stress Response
Climate Resilience
Crop Yield
Genomic
Bioscience
Arabidopsis

About this position

[Fully funded 4-year PhD studentship including payment of tuition fees, annual stipend of £20,780, and Research Training Support Grant of £5,000 per annum (Research Council Funded).] This fully funded PhD studentship at the University of East Anglia focuses on understanding the evolution of calcium signal decoding mechanisms in plants, with a particular emphasis on the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha. Calcium signalling is a fundamental process that enables plants to respond and adapt to environmental stimuli and stresses by modifying cellular calcium ion concentrations, which in turn triggers downstream responses such as gene expression reprogramming. While flowering plants like Arabidopsis thaliana possess extensive protein networks for calcium signalling, genetic redundancy has limited further study. Recent genomic analyses have shown that gene families involved in calcium signalling are smaller in other model species, such as Marchantia polymorpha, offering a unique opportunity to dissect these pathways with less genetic complexity.

The project will employ a multidisciplinary approach, integrating molecular genetics, cell biology, and biochemistry to investigate calcium signalling and decoding mechanisms. The research aims to identify new targets for improving stress tolerance in crop species. The studentship is part of the Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (NRPDTP), which provides a comprehensive 4-year PhD research experience, professional development, and research skills training. All students undertake a three-month professional internship placement (PIPS) to gain valuable work experience.

The funding package includes payment of tuition fees, an annual stipend of £20,780, and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000 per year. Applicants must have at least a UK equivalent Bachelors (Honours) 2:1 degree and meet English language requirements (IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category). The position is full-time, starting on 1 October 2026. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed in February 2026.

For further details on eligibility and application procedures, visit the NRPDTP website.

Funding details

Available

What's required

Applicants must hold at least a UK equivalent Bachelors (Honours) degree with a minimum of 2:1 classification. An English language qualification is required, with an IELTS score of 6.5 overall and no less than 6 in each category. The position is full-time and starts on 1 October 2026.

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Professors

Dr at University of East Anglia

University Name
Country flag

United Kingdom

Research Interests

Biochemistry

Cell Biology

Plant Biology

Arabidopsis

Climate Resilience