Myriam Charpentier

[Fully funded 4-year PhD studentship including payment of tuition fees, a stipend to cover living expenses (£21,805 for 2026/27), and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000 per year.] PhD studentship at the University of East Anglia in the Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (NRPDTP), focused on Endosymbiosis-Mediated Regulation of Nuclear Calcium Signalling . This project sits at the interface of plant biology, endosymbiosis, cell biology, genetics, molecular biology, and proteomics, and explores how plants communicate with beneficial soil microbes to improve nutrient uptake. The research aims to identify key molecular calcium signalling mechanisms involved in plant-endosymbiont partnerships and to characterise a novel signalling pathway that activates root endosymbiosis. The outcomes are relevant to crop improvement, plant nutrition, and long-term agricultural sustainability. The student will join an enthusiastic and collegial team within a vibrant international scientific community, with access to cutting-edge facilities and strong training support. The project is part of the NRPDTP, which offers a 4-year PhD studentship and a comprehensive development programme. All NRPDTP students also complete a three-month Professional Internship Placement Scheme (PIPS) during the degree. Funding includes payment of tuition fees, a stipend for living costs at the 2026/27 rate of £21,805, and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000 per year for each year of the studentship. The project has been shortlisted for NRPDTP funding and shortlisted candidates will be interviewed on 2, 3, and 4 February 2027. Eligibility includes at least a UK-equivalent Bachelor's (Honours) degree at 2:1 and English language proficiency at IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each component. The mode of study is full-time, with a start date of 1 October 2027. Apply via the University of East Anglia postgraduate research application portal and make sure to use the bespoke NRPDTP Personal and Research Statement templates for the required application sections.

[4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership PhD CASE studentship with Inspiralis Limited. Includes full payment of tuition fees, a stipend of £20,780 per year (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 the signalling mechanisms that enhance root nodule symbiosis in plants, a process critical for improving nitrogen acquisition and reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers. Nitrogen is essential for plant growth, but its availability in soils is limited, leading to widespread use of fertilizers that contribute to environmental pollution and climate change. The project aims to characterize a novel signalling pathway that modulates root nodule symbiosis, leveraging advanced techniques in cell biology, genetics, molecular biology, and proteomics. By understanding and enhancing the natural symbiotic relationship between legumes and nitrogen-fixing bacteria, the research seeks to optimize nitrogen nutrition in crops and promote long-term agricultural sustainability. The successful candidate will join a dynamic and international research environment within the Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (NRPDTP), benefiting from state-of-the-art facilities, comprehensive training, and a supportive scientific community. The studentship is a 4-year CASE award in partnership with Inspiralis Limited, covering full tuition fees, a competitive stipend (£20,780 per year for 2025/6), and a generous research training support grant (£5,000 per year). All NRPDTP students participate in a three-month professional internship placement (PIPS) to gain valuable work experience and enhance professional development. Applicants should hold at least a UK equivalent Bachelors (Honours) degree with a 2:1 or higher and meet English language requirements (IELTS 6.5 overall, minimum 6 in each category). The position is full-time, starting 1 October 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in early February 2026. For further details on eligibility and application procedures, visit the NRPDTP website or the UEA postgraduate research application portal.