PhD Studentship: Plant temperature signalling via modulation of small-RNA signalling

Overview

The Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme is offering a four-year fully funded PhD studentship starting on 1 October 2027. The project focuses on plant temperature signalling via the modulation of small-RNA signalling and is supervised by Professor Steven Penfield. The research investigates how gene silencing and temperature sensitivity adapt plant growth, development, and organ formation to seasonal changes through chromatin modifications, addressing how plants adapt to climate change and variable growth environments.

Who can apply

Applicants must hold at least a UK equivalent Bachelors Honours 2:1 degree. Candidates must also meet the English Language requirement matching the Faculty of Science equivalent of IELTS 6.5 overall with 6 in each category. Selection for admission is conducted without regard to gender, marital or civil partnership status, disability, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age, or social background.

What you get

The studentship provides full coverage of tuition fees paid directly to the university, a living expenses stipend at the 2026/27 rate of £21,805 per annum, and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000 per year for each year of the studentship. Students also complete a mandatory three-month professional internship placement supported by a professional internship team.

Requirements

Applicants are required to use bespoke templates for their Personal and Research statements to provide evidence and examples, which must be utilized for these specific sections of the application.

Key dates

The closing date for applications is 30 November 2026. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on 2, 3, and 4 February 2027. The program entry and start date is 1 October 2027.