PhD Student Vacancy: EastBio - Exploring bacterial biocontrol of Phytophthora root rot in raspberry crops
This is a Permanent, Full Time vacancy that will close in {x} days at {xx:xx} BST.
The Vacancy
Background: Domestic crop production is increasingly reliant on reducing fertiliser and agrochemical inputs while maintaining high yields, essential for food security in the UK. With the rising demand for berries, particularly for their health benefits, addressing crop diseases like Phytophthora root rot in raspberries is critical. The pathogen Phytophthora rubi has caused an 80% reduction in UK raspberry production since the 1980s, and current control methods, especially chemical solutions, are limited. This project will explore alternative, sustainable biocontrol strategies, focusing on the interactions between Bacillus spp. and P. rubi, aiming to define the molecular mechanisms of bacterial biocontrol.
Research Aims: This PhD project will investigate the molecular mechanisms behind the biocontrol of Phytophthora rubi by Bacillus spp., with the goal of developing sustainable, long-term methods for raspberry production. This includes:
1. Genomic Analysis of Bacillus spp.: Using bioinformatics to identify secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters (BGC) involved in biocontrol.
2. Transcriptomic Investigation: Exploring the RNA-seq responses of Bacillus spp. and P. rubi during co-culture to uncover key gene expression changes during pathogen suppression.
3. Plant-Microbe Interactions: Studying the impacts of Bacillus spp. on raspberry plant growth, including disease suppression and plant growth promotion under oomycete challenge.
4. Functional Characterisation of Secondary Metabolites: Exploring Bacillus secondary metabolites through recombinant overexpression and knockout mutants to pinpoint active compounds involved in biocontrol.
Why This Project? This research offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of sustainable agricultural practices. You will gain a comprehensive skillset in molecular microbiology, bioinformatics, plant cell biology, and microscopy while addressing a critical challenge in food security and sustainable crop production.
Training and Development: You will work in a collaborative environment across The James Hutton Institute and the University of Dundee, gaining exposure to cutting-edge research facilities. You will also have the opportunity to attend relevant postgraduate training courses and workshops, including BioSS statistical training modules, equipping you for a successful career in research.
What We Offer:
• Access to world-class resources at both the James Hutton Institute and the University of Dundee.
• Opportunity to collaborate with experts in microbiology, bioinformatics, and plant biology.
• A multidisciplinary research environment to support your personal and professional growth.
The EastBio partnership offers fully-funded competition based studentships. Funding covers Home (UK fees), a stipend at UKRI norm level (£19,327 for 2024/2025) and project costs. Application guidance can be found on the Eastbio website; How to Apply ¦ Biology. Information on UKRI-BBSRC can be found on the UKRI website UKRI – UK Research and Innovation
Our Commitment to Equality and Diversity
We will not consider the use of 3rd party recruitment agencies for the sourcing of candidates for this position.
The James Hutton Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
The James Hutton Institute is a: Stonewall Diversity Champion; Athena SWAN Silver Status Holder; Disability Confident Committed Employer and a Living Wage Employer.
The James Hutton Institute is Happy to Talk Flexible Working.
The Company
The James Hutton Institute combines strengths in crops, soils and land use and environmental research, and makes a major contribution to the understanding of key global issues, such as food, energy and environmental security, and developing and promoting effective technological and management solutions to these.
James Hutton (1726 – 1797) was a leading figure of the Scottish Enlightenment, an eighteenth century golden age of intellectual and scientific achievements centred on Edinburgh. He is internationally regarded as the founder of modern geology and one of the first scientists to describe the Earth as a living system. His thinking on natural selection influenced Charles Darwin in developing his theory of evolution.
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