Project at Aberystwyth University: Decoding Heat Tolerance At Flowering: Using Multi-omics Approaches to Unlock Crop Resilience

Global warming is creating significant challenges for agriculture, with rising temperatures threatening crop yields worldwide. In Europe, including the UK, the frequency of extremely hot days is predicted to increase dramatically in the coming decades, jeopardizing key crops such as cereals and oilseeds. This project focuses on uncovering how plants maintain fertility during heat stress at flowering—a critical stage for seed production—and applying this knowledge to develop heat-resilient crops.

Our recent work in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana has identified key genetic and biochemical pathways linked to heat stress resilience during flowering. This project will build on these findings, using genome-wide association studies (GWAS), RNA sequencing (RNAseq), and advanced metabolomic profiling to uncover the molecular mechanisms that enable plants to maintain seed production under heat stress. We will validate these resilience traits in Arabidopsis under controlled conditions and apply the insights to Brassica napus (oilseed rape), screening a diverse germplasm collection available through Rothamsted Research, to identify candidate lines for the breeding of heat-tolerant crops. By linking genetic variation, molecular responses, and key traits, this project has the potential to deliver impactful advances in crop improvement.

This PhD provides an excellent opportunity to develop expertise in cutting-edge research methods. You will gain hands-on experience in GWAS to identify genetic markers of heat tolerance, RNAseq to analyze gene activity during stress, and metabolomics to profile biochemical changes associated with resilience. Additionally, you will work with a diverse Brassica napus germplasm collection, performing controlled-environment experiments to assess fertility and yield under heat-stress conditions. These interdisciplinary approaches will prepare you for a career at the forefront of plant science and crop improvement.

Training opportunities: This project provides multidisciplinary training in molecular plant genetics, association mapping (GWAS), metabolomics, and bioinformatics, preparing you for a research career in academia or industry. You will gain hands-on experience in advanced molecular techniques, including CRISPR gene editing, at Aberystwyth University and bioinformatics analysis during placements at Cranfield University. A three-month placement at Rothamsted Research will provide specialized training in Brassica napus development and crop science. The research focuses on a previously unstudied gene family linked to heat-stress resilience, offering opportunities to generate novel fundamental biological insights and translate them into crop improvement. You will benefit from expert supervision, access to cutting-edge facilities, and funding to present your work at national and international conferences. Postgraduate courses and placements will further develop a wide range of transferable skills, ensuring you are well-equipped for a future in plant science or related disciplines.

Project supervision style: The student will meet with the lead supervisor, Dr. Andrew Lloyd, for 1:1 meetings on a fortnightly basis to review progress, address challenges, and planning. These meetings will ensure continuous, focused guidance and support throughout the project. In addition, the student will participate in a) weekly lab meetings, which serve as a forum for informal discussions, troubleshooting, and collaborative feedback and b) fortnightly IBERS research group meetings, providing an opportunity to deliver formal research presentations, fostering critical discussion and enhancing presentation skills. The student will meet monthly with wider members of the supervisory team to ensure comprehensive support and oversight. Feedback will be provided within two weeks of submission of drafts or research outputs to ensure timely progress.                                                                  

Student profile: We encourage applications from candidates with backgrounds in plant biology, genetics, biochemistry, agriculture, or related fields. While prior experience with molecular or data analysis techniques is helpful, full training will be provided. Most importantly, we are looking for individuals with curiosity and a commitment to addressing the global challenge of food security in a changing climate.

How to Apply: Applications will be by an online application form only. Do not send CVs. Please go to the FoodBioSystems website to see guidance to applicants, information on academic and funding eligibility and language proficiency.

Equality Diversity and Inclusion: The FoodBioSystems DTP is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. Our actions to promote diversity and inclusion are detailed on the  FoodBioSystems DTP website and include: Offering reasonable adjustments at interview for shortlisted candidates who have disclosed a disability or specific learning difference; Guaranteed interview and applicant mentoring schemes for applicants, with UK home fees status, from eligible under-represented ethnic groups. These are opt-in processes.