PhD Studentship: How Do the Connections Between a Cell and its Neighbours Control How a Cell Responds?

Overview

Plant cells connect with adjacent cells through tubes known as plasmodesmata, which form an interconnected cytoplasm across tissues and organs. Because many molecules travel through these pathways, plants must strictly regulate the opening and closing of plasmodesmata to manage how resources and molecular information move. This regulation plays an important role in how plants manage environmental and developmental changes, including immune responses against invading pathogens. Research shows that plasmodesmata close upon pathogen perception to isolate the cell, a process linked to immune-associated gene expression and leaf sugar production. This PhD project investigates how plasmodesmal connectivity influences cellular responses to pathogens. The student will use molecular biology, bioinformatics, genetics, and quantitative imaging approaches to study plasmodesmal function and immunity within the Faulkner lab.

What you get

The selected candidate receives a four-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership PhD studentship. The award covers the direct payment of tuition fees to the University and provides a living expenses stipend set at the 2026/27 rate of £21,805 per annum. Additionally, the studentship includes a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000 per year for each year of the program.

Key dates

The closing date for applications is 2026-11-30.