PhD Studentship - Molecular approaches toward improving Zn micronutrient nutrition in crops (1044118BJ)

Project  description: Zn plays an essential role in the biological processes of all organisms including humans and plants. It is crucial for cell division, protein synthesis, the immune system, fertility and growth. Zn is a natural component of the earth’s crust and an integral part of the environment. A large part of the world’s population rely on cereal crops as their staple food source but they are low in Zn and other micronutrients. This is an enormous problem, exacerbated by the fact that one-half the world’s agricultural soils are estimated to be deficient in Zn, leading to decreased crop production and nutritional value. Currently, fertilisers are used to add Zn to soils but this is costly and has environmental consequences. For future global food security, it is necessary to develop alternative strategies and plant biotechnological approaches will be important. Developing plants that take up Zn more efficiently and accumulate it in a bioavailable form in edible tissue would be an important advance for sustainable agriculture and have clear benefits for society. Understanding fundamental mechanism is key and our recent work provides new insight demonstrating that the cereals, barley and wheat, contain a complex system for regulating Zn (Evens et al. 2017; Nazri et al. 2017). We have demonstrated that specialised transcription factors can function in adapting to Zn deficiency by regulating Zn transporters and other stress-responsive genes. This research has opened new avenues for future research as these proteins could represent novel targets for improving nutrient efficiency in crops. This project will use a range of molecular genetic approaches, including CRISPR/CAS9 mediated genome-editing technology, to provide an integrated explanation for Zn regulation and adaptation in crops and test whether the systems can be modulated to influence resistance to Zn deficiency and more generally to oxidative stress. We welcome applications from motivated students with a degree in biological sciences or allied subject. The student will receive training and develop skills in a range of essential and cutting-edge techniques. 

This PhD offers excellent training opportunities and scope for original input. 

References

Nazri, A. Z., Griffin, J. H. C., Peaston, K. A., Alexander-Webber, D. G. A., & Williams, L. E. (2017). F-group bZIPs in barley - a role in Zn deficiency. Plant, Cell & Environment 40, 2754-2770 

Evens, N. P., Buchner, P., Williams, L. E., & Hawkesford, M. J. (2017). The role of ZIP transporters and group F bZIP transcription factors in the Zn-deficiency response of wheat (Triticum aestivum). The Plant Journal 92, 291–304

Funding 

The project is funded by The Gerald Kerkut Trust and welcomes applicants from the UK and EU who have or expect to obtain at least an upper second class degree in Biological Sciences or allied subjects. Funding will cover fees and a stipend at current research council rates of £ 14,777 per annum for 2018/19. 

Due to funding restrictions this position is only open to UK/EU applicants

Applications for an MPhil/PhD in Biological Sciences should be submitted online at:

https://studentrecords.soton.ac.uk/BNNRPROD/bzsksrch.P_Login?pos=4973&majr=4973&term=201819 

Please place Dr Lorraine Williams name in the field for proposed supervisor.

General enquiries should be made to Dr. Lorraine Williams at lew@soton.ac.uk

Any queries on the application process should be made to pgafnes@soton.ac.uk

Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, and the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified. 

The University of Southampton and Biological Sciences both hold an Athena Swan Silver Awards, demonstrating their commitment to provide equal opportunities and to advance the representation of women in STEM/M subjects: science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine.  Due consideration will be given to applicants who have taken a career break.  University benefits include onsite childcare facilities, state-of-the-art on-campus sports, arts and culture facilities, a full programme of events and a range of staff discounts.

Closing Date: 31 Aug 2018
Post Type: PhD Studentship (Funded)