Overview
The student will be part of a multidisciplinary effort to investigate the anatomical, physical and cellular factors that shape internal root environments. The project will explore how root organisation and environmental conditions combine to influence oxygen availability, and how these internal conditions vary across space and time. The PhD offers the opportunity to work at the interface of plant physiology, root biology, imaging and quantitative analysis, providing key conceptual and experimental foundations that support other strands of the BreathingUnderground project.
Award Start Date: 01/10/2026. Duration of Award: 48 months. This research studentship is only available to UK citizens and includes payment of tuition fees and a tax-free stipend based on current BBSRC rates.
Closing Date: Wednesday 13 May 2026. Reference: SCI3062. Supervisor: Vinay Shukla. Subject Area: Plant & Crop Science. Location: UK Other.
Note: This description focuses on role-related responsibilities, qualifications and funding details; administrative/application-process information has been omitted to maintain a clear job-focused description.
Responsibilities
* Conduct experimental studies using model plant species to examine root oxygen status under contrasting environmental conditions.
* Apply imaging- and sensor-based approaches to visualize and quantify oxygen dynamics in roots and their surrounding environment.
* Analyze how root tissue organization and cellular connectivity influence internal microenvironments.
* Integrate experimental observations with quantitative or computational frameworks, developed in collaboration with partners with modelling expertise.
* Contribute to the BreathingUnderground project and develop independent questions within the broader theme where appropriate.
Qualifications
* Master’s degree in Plant Science, Biology or a closely related discipline.
* Highly motivated, curious and keen to develop expertise at the interface of plant biology and quantitative analysis.
* Experience or interest in one or more of the following areas would be advantageous (full training will be provided as required):
* Plant physiology, root biology or plant–environment interactions.
* Experimental approaches to studying internal plant environments or spatially structured biological processes.
* Imaging, sensor-based measurements or quantitative data analysis.
* Basic computational or programming skills, or willingness to engage with modelling and data-driven approaches.
Funding and eligibility
* The studentship is available to UK citizens and includes payment of tuition fees and a tax-free stipend based on current BBSRC rates.
* Duration: 48 months; Start Date: 01/10/2026.
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