Understanding the Evolution of How Plants Perceive Changes In the Environment

Project Code: MILLER_UEA_ARIES27

Understanding the Evolution of How Plants Perceive Changes In the Environment

Project Code: MILLER_UEA_ARIES27

Project Description

Supervisors

Dr Ben Miller, School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia – contact me

Dr Taoyang Wu, School of Computing Sciences, UEA

Dr Mark Williams, School of Biological Sciences, UEA

 

Scientific Background:

Plants modify the concentration of calcium ions in their cells in response to different environmental stimuli and stresses. These changes in cellular calcium concentration trigger many downstream responses, including re-programming of gene expression and coordination of growth. Calcium signalling pathways are therefore essential for plants to respond and adapt to environmental stresses.

Flowering plants, such as the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, have complicated networks of proteins involved in calcium signalling pathways. Genetic redundancy is observed and has hindered further study of these signalling pathways. Our recent genomic analyses have revealed that gene families encoding components of calcium signalling pathways are considerably smaller in other model plant species, including in the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha. The study of these pathways in M. polymorpha therefore offer a unique opportunity to understanding calcium signalling pathways in plants and provide an evolutionary assessment of how plants respond and adapt to environmental stresses in the context of global climate change.

 

Research Methodology

In this project, we will explore how the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha grows and responds to different stresses in the natural environment. The student will evaluate growth and physiology in plants grown under different environmental conditions, use bioimaging techniques to measure calcium signals, and use qRT-PCR to measure gene expression. They will also build on our recent work identifying stress signalling genes and test how knockout of these genes by CRISPR gene editing can be used to alter stress tolerance in plants.

 

Training:

This multi-disciplinary project will offer the student excellent training opportunities in plant biology (including plant physiology and stress biology), cell biology, and the molecular genetics of plant environmental stress signalling. Furthermore, the student will receive training in data analysis (including transcriptomics) and manuscript preparation, whilst also having regular opportunities to present their work at national and international meetings.

 

Person Specification:

We are looking for a highly motivated individual with strong interests in plant biology, molecular biology, biochemistry and the natural environment, and who can thrive in a multi-disciplinary research laboratory. Candidates should have a background in biological or environmental sciences, and require a minimum of a 2:1 Bachelor’s degree.

References

  • Tansley et al. (2023) New Phytologist
  • Feike et al. (2019) Plant Biotech J.
  • Edel & Kudla (2015) Cell Calcium
  • Dong et al. (2022) J. Integrative Plant Biology
  • Bender et al. (2018) Biochemical J.

Key Information

  • This studentship has been shortlisted for funding under the UKRI NERC DLA funding scheme and will commence on 1 October 2027. The closing date for applications is 23:59 on 16 December 2026.
  • Successful candidates who meet UKRI’s eligibility criteria will be awarded a fully-funded studentship, which covers fees, maintenance stipend (£21,805 p.a. for 2026/27) 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