PhD Plant Science

Our Plant Science research covers topics such as plant-environment interactions, cell signalling, cell and membrane biology, protein structure and function, gene regulation, synthetic biology, systems biology and translational biology.

OVERVIEW

Plant Science at Glasgow is focused on fostering education and training in research to develop sustainable agriculture in an era of global climate change. Our research is centred on exploring how plants respond to their environment to regulate nutrition, water homeostasis, metabolism and various aspects of plant development. Our goal is to apply the knowledge gained from our research to address key issues affecting food security, crop science and technology. Plant Science at Glasgow adopts a multidisciplinary approach within the Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology (MCSB) that covers topics such as plant-environment interactions, cell signalling, cell and membrane biology, protein structure and function, gene regulation, synthetic biology, systems biology and translational biology.

Projects are typically related to basic science and integrate with our existing research themes, while other projects are focused on translational aspects of our research. A variety of multidisciplinary research approaches are applied within this research programme, including biochemistry, molecular biology, molecular genetics, biophysics, structural biology, systems biology, polyomics (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics), bioinformatics and synthetic biology, as well as cellular imaging of biological functions. Specific areas of interest include:

• control of gene expression
• epigenetics and crop improvement
• temperature sensing
• plant mineral nutrition
• protein structure and function
• responses to salinity and drought
• light regulation of plant growth and development
• UV-B perception and signalling
• nuclear organisation and function
• stomatal function and water use efficiency
• ion channel function and membrane transport
• plant-virus interactions and pest resistance
• protein engineering and application
• synthetic manipulation of plant responses

Our PhD programme provides excellent training in cutting edge technologies that will be applicable to career prospects in both academia and industry. Many of our graduates become postdoctoral research associates while others go on to take up positions within industry either locally (e.g. BioOutsource) or overseas (e.g. BASF). We have strong academic connections with many international collaborators in universities and research institutes. Funds are available through the College of MVLS to allow visits to international laboratories where part of your project can be carried out. This provides an excellent opportunity for networking and increasing your scientific knowledge and skill set.