PhD Studentship Opportunities: The Sainsbury Laboratory (SLCU) at the University of Cambridge is offering two fully-funded PhD studentships commencing in October 2026. These positions provide an excellent opportunity for researchers interested in cutting-edge plant science.
Designation:
PhD Studentship
Table:
| Project Name | Supervisors | Application Deadline | Start Date | Funding Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Variable and Noisy Gene Expression in the Arabidopsis Shoot Meristem | Professor James Locke (lead), Professor Elliot Meyerowitz (co-supervisor) | 15 February 2026 | October 2026 | Fully funded, includes fees and stipend |
| DIY Plant Walls: Engineering Plant Cell Size and Material Strength Using Fungal Proteins | Professor Sebastian Schornack (lead), Dr. Sarah Robinson (co-supervisor) | 19 January 2026 | 1 October 2026 | Fully funded for Home students |
Research Area:
- Plant developmental biology
- Gene expression variability
- Plant bioengineering and synthetic biology
Location:
Sainsbury Laboratory, University of Cambridge, 47 Bateman Street, Cambridge CB2 1LR, United Kingdom
Eligibility/Qualification:
- Variable and Noisy Gene Expression Project: Open to international students, but they must secure additional funding for overseas fees and immigration.
- DIY Plant Walls Project: Open to Home students only.
Description:
Project 1: Variable and Noisy Gene Expression in the Arabidopsis Shoot Meristem
This project aims to investigate the variability in gene expression within the shoot apical meristem (SAM) of Arabidopsis. The research will use cutting-edge single-cell and spatial transcriptomic techniques to understand factors influencing transcriptional noise, focusing on cell cycle stage, hormonal signaling, and positional identity.
Project 2: DIY Plant Walls: Engineering Plant Cell Size and Material Strength Using Fungal Proteins
This project involves engineering plant cell walls for enhanced performance. By leveraging the properties of fungal proteins that modify wall characteristics, students will explore the mechanical properties of plant cells and design optimized cellular structures using advanced molecular techniques.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should contact the respective supervisors directly via email for more information on specific application procedures and documentation required:
- Project 1: James.Locke@slcu.cam.ac.uk
- Project 2: sebastian.schornack@slcu.cam.ac.uk
Last Date for Apply:
- Variable and Noisy Gene Expression Project: 15 February 2026
- DIY Plant Walls Project: 19 January 2026
For further details, please visit the Sainsbury Laboratory’s official website. Engage in the thrilling world of plant research at one of the most prestigious institutions globally!
