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

Primary Supervisor - Professor Steven Penfield

Given the accelerating pace of climate change it is important to understand how plants adapt to temperature changes and how to engineer crops to cope with more variable seasonal growth environments. Yet surprisingly, the basic mechanisms by which plants sense and adapt to temperature remain only partly understood. This PhD opportunity will suit candidates interested in studying how plants adapt to changing temperatures, and who wish to learn the latest techniques in single cell analysis, genomics, chromatin biology and molecular biology.

Gene silencing is a fundamental process in all eukaryotes which in plants is necessary for normal development of all organs, and for defence against a range of pathogens. It has been known for some time that the strength of gene silencing is affected by the growth temperature. In this project the successful student will study how this temperature sensitivity adapts the growth and development of plants to seasonal changes in temperature, allowing plants to grow new organs especially adapted to winter, spring, and summer conditions via chromatin modifications.

The Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (NRPDTP) is offering fully funded studentships for October 2027 entry. The programme offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year PhD research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. You will join a vibrant community of world-leading researchers. All NRPDTP students undertake a three-month professional internship placement (PIPS) during their study. The placement offers exciting and invaluable work experience designed to enhance professional development. Full support and advice will be provided by our Professional Internship team. 

This project has been shortlisted for funding by the NRPDTP. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th February 2027.

Our partners value diverse and inclusive work environments that are positive and supportive. Students are selected for admission without regard to gender, marital or civil partnership status, disability, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or social background. 

To maximise accessibility and attract students from underrepresented groups to our programme we have introduced bespoke templates for applicant Personal and Research statements which will enable every applicant to fully represent themselves through providing suitable examples and evidence. These forms are on the NRPDTP website and must be used for these sections of the application form.

Entry requirements 

At least UK equivalence Bachelors (Honours) 2:1. English Language requirement (Faculty of Science equivalent: IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category). 

Mode of study 

Full-time 

Start date 

1 October 2027 

Additional Funding Information

This project is awarded with a 4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership PhD DTP studentship. The studentship includes payment of tuition fees (directly to the University), a stipend to cover living expenses (2026/27 stipend rate: £21,805, and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000 pa for each year of the studentship.