How nutrients shape plant roots: a spatial analysis of the signaling networks that control root responses to phosphorus:
Supervisors:
Prof Anna Amtmann, School of Molecular Biosciences (University of Glasgow) & Prof Andy Mehard, School of Biological Sciences and Institute for Global Security (Queen’s University Belfast)
Summary:
Plants dynamically regulate the development and growth of different parts of their root systems to generate root system architectures that are best suited to forage the soil for mineral nutrients such as phosphate (P). P is a vital, non-renewable resource for crop production. Uncertain supplies and negative impacts on environment and human health call for urgent action to reduce P input into agriculture. Optimizing root system architecture for a low-P environment requires detailed understanding of the molecular signaling pathways that underpin local growth responses.
This project will generate spatial maps of gene expression, epigenetic marks, cellular signals and mineral elements in different parts of the root system of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. You will learn and apply a range of cutting-edge technologies in molecular and cell biology including single cell RNA-sequencing, FRET imaging, confocal microscopy and laser ablation ICP-MS.
You will generate new plant lines expressing fluorescently labelled proteins and follow their localisation over the course of root development and you will use different gene promoters to re-shape root architecture through manipulation of local signalling pathways. The results from this work will make and important contribution to Food Security under Climate Change.
HOW TO APPLY:
Contact person; Prof Anna Amtmann, telephone: 01413305393 email: Anna.Amtmann@glasgow.ac.uk
Please note that all applications will be received by the University of Glasgow’s admissions system and circulated to the appropriate academic partnership.
- Please ensure that you include details of the project(s) you are applying to under Section 2 – Course Details – Research Title section of your application.
- Project supervisory teams will assess applicants and put forward their top choice for interview (plus a reserve). Applicants are encouraged to approach and communicate with potential project supervisors ahead of applying. Please note that applications will be considered for the programme in general and not for individual projects, with all applicants being in open competition for programme entry.
- If applicants are shortlisted for more than one project, they will be asked to indicate which project they prefer and will then be interviewed for that project.
PLEASE COMPLETE AND UPLOAD NWB Recruitment Information Form. SHORTLISTING WILL BE BASED ON THIS INFORMATION ONLY. IF A RECRUITMENT INFORMATION FORM IS NOT UPLOADED WITH YOUR APPLICATION AND SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION, YOUR APPLICATION WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
Note: you are not required to upload a research proposal or cover letter for this programme, despite the online application requesting them as part of the supporting documents upload.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview. At interview, applicants will be asked to give a brief presentation about their experience and how it provides a strong fit for the programme. They will also be asked questions standardised across panels from each Institution.
Applicants meeting eligible criteria should complete application form via UofG portal, uploading all supporting documentation requested.
An online applicant information session will take place on Friday 10th March 3-4pm. Join via this link. Application Deadline: Friday 17th March 2023
Application deadline
The closing date for applications is Friday 17th March 2023. Offers will be put out to successful candidates mid-April 2023. For further information, please contact us. Email northwestbio@glasgow.ac.uk