EastBio - Outer Limits – how plants make their skin

To survive and thrive, land plants evolved a specialised surface, sealed by a waxy ‘cuticle’ and distinctive epidermal cells such as gas pores and defensive barbs. Cereals in particular show surface innovations underlie to improve their performance on arid grasslands which play important roles in climate resiliency. However, we understand little about how plants coordinate these different features into a coherent surface. Our research groups uses barley to learn more about cereal surface formation and its importance to crop survival. In this project, you will apply state of the art biochemical and molecular approaches to find out more about how cereals surfaces develop and respond to environmental change. In particular, you will exploit CRISPR-Cas based gene editing to characterise regulatory components which control cereal surfaces and their importance to plant resiliency under stress. This project will appeal to students keen to explore plant science from molecule to field, and to contribute to crop improvement and food security. Our research community thrives on the diversity of students and staff which helps to make the University of Dundee a UK university of choice for postgraduate research. We welcome applications from all talented individuals and are committed to widening access to those who have the ability and potential to benefit from higher education. How to Apply Please see the University of Dundee programme page for more information on how to apply: BBSRC EASTBIO Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) Studentship | University of Dundee, UK Funding Notes This 4-year PhD project is funded by EastBio BBSRC Doctoral Landscape Award. The programme involves a mandatory training programme including a 3 month placement. This opportunity is open to UK and International students and provides funding to cover stipend at UKRI standard rate and UK level tuition fees. The University of Dundee will cover the Home-International fee difference.