PhD studentship (funded): Modification and developmental control of leaf surface wettability in floating aquatic plants

University of Exeter - Department of Biological Sciences (Streatham Campus)

Qualification Type: PhD
Location: Exeter
Funding for: UK Students
Funding amount: £20,780 per annum
Hours: Full Time
Placed On: 13th August 2025
Closes: 15th September 2025
Reference: 5600

UK tuition fees and an annual tax-free stipend of at least £20,780 per year

Free-floating duckweeds and water ferns are highly successful, fast-growing, invasive pond plants. Despite their diversity in leaf size, shape and surface texture, all species have an astonishing ability to self-right when flipped over. Preliminary data indicate that drastic differences in surface wettability between the upper (water-repellent) and lower (fully wettable) leaf surfaces are crucial for self-righting. This fully funded 4-year PhD project takes a multidisciplinary approach to unravel the morphological, biochemical and genetic underpinnings of leaf wettability, thereby paving the way for novel approaches to sustainable, pesticide-free pest control in agriculture.

The student will join an interdisciplinary research group with a broad interest in plant biomechanics, ecology, development and evolution. A supervisory team comprising a plant scientist, a cell biologist and a physicist, as well as two postdocs with expert experience in bioimaging, cuticular biochemistry, transcriptomics and bioinformatics, will provide bespoke training and advice at different stages of the project. Supported by this team, the student will (1) quantify the wettability of upper and lower leaf surfaces, (2) identify differences in cuticular composition, layering and surface texture, (3) disentangle the relative contributions of chemical composition and surface texture to wetting, and (4) investigate how plants can make surfaces with contrasting wetting properties within the same organ. The student will employ diverse techniques such as contact angle measurements, light and electron microscopy including advanced staining techniques, Raman spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, transcriptomics, transgenics and bioinformatics. This project offers a unique opportunity to acquire a very broad skill set of biochemical, biophysical, bioimaging and molecular techniques, combined with diverse data analysis and bioinformatics skills.

The project would suit a student with a background in plant science, cell biology, molecular biology or biochemistry. Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to work in an interdisciplinary team are essential. An additional background in analytical chemistry or physics, as well as experience with practical lab work (e.g. from a previous Masters degree) are advantageous. Interested students are strongly encouraged to contact the lead supervisor, Dr Ulrike Bauer, to discuss the details of the project ahead of applying.

The funding provided for this studentship cannot be used to recruit students who are classed as International for fees.