PhD Studentship: Investigating the ‘cry-for-help’ Effect in Wheat

Overview

This PhD studentship focuses on investigating the cry-for-help effect in wheat through the analysis of wheat split-root microcosms. The research explores the relationship between pathogen challenge, root metabolite secretion, and soil microbiome recruitment by combining molecular and environmental microbiology, bioinformatic analysis, metabolomics, and plant-microbe interaction assays. The work aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of wheat metabolite secretion and its role in maintaining healthy soils to help develop sustainable, high-yielding wheat varieties. The student will be based at the John Innes Centre and the neighbouring Earlham Institute, working within a collaborative research team alongside experts in soil microbiology and plant-microbe interactions.

What you get

The successful candidate receives a four-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership PhD DTP studentship. The award covers the direct payment of tuition fees to the university and provides a living expenses stipend 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

Applications must be submitted by 23:59 on 30 November 2026.