Genomic signatures underlying functional diversity in root symbiotic fungi

Genomic signatures underlying functional diversity in root symbiotic fungi

Project Description

Supervisors

Professor Neil Hall, Earlham Institute

Dr Torde Varga, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Dr Guillaume Delhaye, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Dr Rowena Hill, Earlham Institute

 

Scientific Background

Ectomycorrhizal fungi (ECMF) are a crucial yet often overlooked group of organisms that play a key role in the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems. These fungi form symbiotic associations with plant root systems, where plants supply sugars to their fungal partners and, in return, ECMF provide essential nutrients and confer additional benefits, such as enhanced tolerance to drought and salinity. In the face of rapid environmental change, understanding how different organisms respond to shifting conditions is more important than ever. Despite the significance of ECMF for ecosystem functions, we still have a limited understanding of their functional and genetic diversity. This project aims to uncover functional differences among ECMF species at the genomic level by examining the variation in copy numbers of ecologically relevant genes, differential selective pressures on key genes, and changes in gene expression regulation related to nitrogen, phosphorus and carbon cycles in ecosystems.

 

Research Methodology

This studentship is ideally positioned between the Earlham Institute (EI) – which focuses on the application of the latest genomics – and the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew (RBGK) – which focuses on exploring and understanding fungal and plant diversity. The student will (1) use existing data to uncover functional differences of ECMF based on genomic signatures, (2) use whole-genome-sequencing to discover population-level adaptation to different environmental constraints and (3) conduct enzymatic activity and gene expression experiments to test functional differences of ECMF. To do this, the student will conduct fieldwork, microbiology experiments, comparative genomics and transcriptomic analyses.

 

Training

The integration of field-based, laboratory and bioinformatics training delivered by this project offers an exciting opportunity to develop a diverse transferable skillset of high value in both academia and industry. EI is at the forefront of genomics and bioinformatics, giving the student access to cutting-edge training opportunities in coding, data science and fundamental principles of computational analysis. The student will receive specialised training in fungal biology, including safe lab and fieldwork, courtesy of a global authority for fungal biology research, RGBK.

 

Person Specification

We seek an enthusiastic individual who is interested in fungal ecology and evolution, with prior experience in programming and basic statistical skills.

Acceptable first degree subjects: Biology

Project code: HALL_EI_ARIES26

References

  • Varga T., Krizsán K., Földi C., Dima B., Sánchez-García M., Sánchez-Ramírez S., … Nagy LG (2019). Megaphylogeny resolves global patterns of mushroom evolution. Nature Ecology & Evolution, 3, 668–678.
  • Varga T., Woods R., Pitsillides F., Hill R., Biketova AY., Llewellyn T., Shaw BJP., Hodgson E., Wong B., Le J., Becker J. et al. (2025). Whole genome sequencing of historical specimens from the world’s largest fungal collection yields high-quality assemblies. New Phytologist, nph.70472
  • Delhaye, G., van der Linde, S., Bauman, D., Orme, C. D. L., Suz, L. M., & Bidartondo, M. I (2024). Ectomycorrhizal fungi are influenced by ecoregion boundaries across Europe. Global Ecology and Biogeography, 33(6), e13837.
  • Hill R., McGowan J., Brabcová V., McTaggart S., Irish N., … Hall N (2025). Nuclear and Mitochondrial Genome Assemblies for the Endangered Wood-Decaying Fungus Somion occarium. Genome Biology and Evolution, 17, evaf003
  • McMullan M., Percival-Alwyn L., Kaithakottil GG., Gardiner LJ., Hill R., … Hall N (2025). Developing a crop-wild-reservoir pathogen system to understand pathogen evolution and emergence. eLife, 14, e91245.

Key Information

  • This studentship has been shortlisted for funding under the UKRI NERC DLA funding scheme and will commence on 1 October 2026. The closing date for applications is 23:59 on 7 January 2026.
  • Successful candidates who meet UKRI’s eligibility criteria will be awarded a fully-funded studentship, which covers fees, maintenance stipend (£20,780 p.a. for 2025/26) and a research training and support grant (RTSG). A limited number of studentships are available for international applicants, with the difference between 'home' and 'international' fees being waived by the registering university. Please note, however, that ARIES funding does not cover additional costs associated with relocation to, and living in, the UK, such as visa costs or the health surcharge.
  • ARIES postgraduate researchers (PGRs) benefit from bespoke training and ARIES provides £2,500 to every student for access to external training, travel and conferences, on top of all Research Costs associated with the project. Excellent applicants from quantitative disciplines with limited experience in environmental sciences may be considered for an additional 3-month stipend to take advanced-level courses. Excellent applicants from quantitative disciplines with limited experience in environmental sciences may be considered for an additional 3-month stipend to take advanced-level courses.
  • ARIES is committed to equality, diversity, widening participation and inclusion in all areas of its operation. We encourage enquiries and applications from all sections of the community regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation and transgender status. Academic qualifications are considered alongside non-academic experience, and our recruitment process considers potential with the same weighting as past experience.
  • All ARIES studentships may be undertaken on a part-time or full-time basis. International applicants should check whether there are any conditions of visa or immigration permission that preclude part-time study. All advertised project proposals have been developed with consideration of a safe, inclusive and appropriate research and fieldwork environment with respect to protected characteristics. If you have any concerns, please contact us.
  • For further information, please contact the supervisor. To apply for this Studentship, follow the instructions at the bottom of the page or click the 'apply now' link.
  • ARIES is required by our funders to collect Equality and Diversity Information from all of our applicants. The information you provide will be used solely for monitoring and statistical purposes; it will remain confidential and will be stored on the UEA SharePoint server. Data will not be shared with those involved in making decisions on the award of Studentships and will have no influence on the success of your application. It will only be shared outside of this group in an anonymised and aggregated form. You will be asked to complete the form by the University to which you apply.
  • ARIES studentships are subject to UKRI terms and conditions. Postgraduate Researchers are expected to live within reasonable distance of their host organisation for the duration of their studentship. Please see https://www.ukri.org/publications/terms-and-conditions-for-training-funding/ for more information.

Apply Now

Apply now via the  University of East Anglia Application Portal