PhD Studentship: Where Does RNA go in the Cold? Visualising Coolair RNA Inside Plant Cells

Overview

This PhD studentship focuses on understanding how plants respond to temperature changes by investigating the spatial organization of COOLAIR RNA within plant cells. The project utilizes advanced fluorescence microscopy and cutting-edge plant RNA imaging to visualize COOLAIR within Arabidopsis cells under constant and fluctuating winter temperatures. The research aims to determine how RNA localization influences FLC regulation and flowering, offering broader relevance to plant adaptation under variable climates. The successful candidate will join the Ding laboratory at the John Innes Centre, supervised by Prof Yiliang Ding, with day-to-day co-supervision from Dr Susan Duncan and collaboration with Prof Caroline Dean.

What you get

The 4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership PhD studentship provides payment of tuition fees directly to the University. It also includes a stipend for living expenses at the 2026/27 rate of £21,805 per annum, alongside a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000 per year for each year of the studentship. The role offers interdisciplinary training in RNA biology, molecular biology, plant genetics, advanced microscopy, quantitative image analysis, and bioinformatics.

Who can apply

Applicants must have, or expect to obtain, a first-class, 2(i), or equivalent Honours degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Plant Science, Genetics, or a related discipline.

Key dates

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