PhD Studentship: Revealing How Plant Roots Adapt to Compacted Soil Environments

Supervisor: Dr Bipin Pandey

Secondary Supervisor: Dr Poonam Mehra, Prof Malcolm Bennett

Subject Area: Plant biology and climate change

Research Title
Revealing how plant roots adapt to compacted soil environments

Research Description
We are inviting applications for a PhD studentship focused on understanding how plant roots sense and respond to compacted soil conditions. The aim of this research is to uncover the mechanisms by which plants detect and cope with physical stress in complex, heterogeneous soil   environments.
Soil compaction represents a modern farming challenge that profoundly influences the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil. The alterations in soil structure leads to reduced water infiltration, gaseous exchange and biological activity in soils. One prominent feature of soil compaction is the enhanced mechanical impedance of the soil, which hinders root growth, thereby limiting the nutrient and water foraging capacity of the plants.
Climate change exacerbates soil compaction, with reduced rainfall increasing soil strength and heavy rainfall leading to flash flood conditions in compacted soils. However, how roots navigate the complex stress of soil compaction in heterogeneous soil conditions remains largely unknown.

The project will involve:

• Characterizing the molecular, cellular and physiological responses of plants to soil compaction.
• Utilizing a range of advanced techniques, including molecular cloning, spatial-temporal expression studies with genetically encoded reporters, CT imaging, non-invasive root architecture analysis, nutrient uptake assays, and soil mechanics experiments.

Candidate Expectations:

• Strong interest in plant science, particularly root biology and abiotic stress research and solid knowledge of plant genetics and molecular approaches
• Willingness to apply cutting-edge genomics and advanced phenotyping techniques, such as CT imaging and cell biology methods
• Enthusiasm for working in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment
• Motivation to explore how plant roots sense physical soil environments.

This project offers an exciting opportunity for students eager to contribute to cutting-edge research in plant biology and soil science.

Award Start Date: 01/02/2025

Duration of Award: 48 months

Terms and Conditions
The PhD research funding is from the UKRI Frontiers Research Grant and will be for 4 years. 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.

Applicant Qualification Requirements
Applicants should hold, or be on track to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in Biology, Biotechnology, Environmental Science, or a related discipline, with a strong interest in Plant Science, Agriculture and Climate Change. A relevant Master’s degree and/or prior research experience would be highly advantageous.

How to Apply
To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your research interests, relevant experience and motivation to Bipin Pandey (bipin.pandey@nottingham.ac.uk).

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