University of East Anglia
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PhD Studentship: Deciphering Critical Regulators in Wheat Rust Immunity University of East Anglia in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Molecular Biology
Funding
Available
Deadline
Nov 30, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of East Anglia

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About this position
This PhD studentship at the University of East Anglia explores how wheat plants regulate immunity against yellow rust, a major biotrophic pathogen of bread wheat. The project focuses on the link between branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) metabolism and salicylic acid (SA)-mediated defence, building on prior findings that the wheat gene TaBCAT1 promotes pathogen colonisation by limiting BCAA accumulation, while disruption of TaBCAT1 increases BCAAs and SA and reduces susceptibility.
The research will investigate how BCAA availability activates the MYB/SANT transcription factor TaASIL1 and how this regulatory pathway suppresses TaSIZ1, a SUMO E3 ligase involved in SA homeostasis. A second aim is to identify additional BCAA-dependent gene targets controlled by TaASIL1. Together, these studies aim to uncover how metabolic signals are translated into immune responses in wheat and to provide new insight into basal plant defence.
The student will be embedded in the Saunders Lab at the John Innes Centre, within a multidisciplinary research environment. Training is expected to span plant pathology, wheat genetics, molecular biology, and bioinformatics, offering a strong foundation for students interested in plant-microbe interactions, crop disease resistance, and functional genomics.
This opportunity is part of a 4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership PhD studentship. Funding includes payment of tuition fees, an annual stipend for living costs, and a Research Training Support Grant each year of the studentship. The advertised stipend rate is £21,805 for 2026/27, plus £5,000 per year in training support.
Eligibility includes at least a UK-equivalent 2:1 Bachelor's degree and English language proficiency at IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each category. The study mode is full-time, with a start date of 1 October 2027. Applications are due by 30 November 2026 and should be submitted through the University of East Anglia research postgraduate application portal.
Funding details
Available
What's required
Applicants should have at least a UK-equivalent Bachelor's degree with Honours at 2:1 level. English language proficiency is required at Faculty of Science equivalent IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each component. The project is full-time.
How to apply
Apply online via the University of East Anglia postgraduate research application portal. Submit your application before 30 November 2026. Review the project details and ensure you meet the degree and English language requirements before applying.
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