The University of Edinburgh is offering a fully funded PhD scholarship program under the NERC-funded E5 Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP). The project is titled Finding the Genetic Source of Disease Resistance in Maize Through Proteomics. It will start in Fall 2026 and is aimed at the study of plant immunity and genetic resilience on the molecular level.
Why Pursue a PhD in Plant Immunity at the University of Edinburgh?
Funded Support: E5 DTP is fully funded through NERC, hence covering all tuition fees, a stipend, and studies and conference travel allowances.
High-Impact Research: The research problem being studied is an issue that will enhance food security and sustainable agriculture.
Prestigious Doctoral Training Partnership: The E5 DTP provides access to specialised training and professional development as well as collaborative research at the major universities and research institutes in the UK.
Mentorship and Collaboration: The students will be collaborating with Dr Hahn and a related team of experienced researchers who complement each other with a wealth of knowledge on the interaction of plants and their pathogens, proteomics, and molecular biology.
Position Description – PhD in Plant Immunity
The PhD project will seek to identify the mechanism of perception and response of plants to pathogens using maize as the model crop on a molecular basis. The identified successful candidate will use the proteomics, molecular genetics, and bioinformatics tools to explore immune responses that help plants survive diseases.
Among the important research fields are:
- Plant-Pathogen Interactions: Get to know more about the way in which plants sense and the immune response that is triggered when dangerous microbes are detected.
- Proteomic Analysis: The analysis of proteins that are involved in plant defense mechanisms by identifying and quantifying them.
- Genetic Mapping of Resistance Traits: Finding and describing genes of disease resistance in maize.
- Molecular Mechanisms of Immunity: Signal transduction, pathways, and the processes of cellular events are said to be used in pathogen recognition.
Qualifications and Eligibility – PhD in Plant Immunity
To apply to this fully funded PhD opportunity, the applicants must have the following requirements:
- Be able to hold a pertinent degree in Plant Science, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics or another similar discipline.
- Show a firm interest in plant immunity, molecular biology, proteomics or bioinformatics.
- Good analytical, communication, and teamwork skills.
- Be eligible to study in the UK.
- It is not a significant condition, but applicants who have previous experience of mass spectrometry analysis and/or handling of maize are highly encouraged to apply.
Application Process
To apply to the PhD Studentship in Plant Immunity at the Molecular Scale, candidates will provide a curriculum Vitae (CV) containing academic background and research experience and a short statement of interest as to why the project interests them so much.
Interested applicants should send their CV and a statement explaining why they are interested in the project to Dr Hahn by December 1st.
Resumes will be vetted continuously, and shortlisted candidates will be invited to meet virtually.
About the Supervisor
Dr Hahn is a reputed researcher of plant molecular biology at the University of Edinburgh. Her studies are aimed at comprehending the immune responses of plants and the communication of plants and pathogens at the molecular level. Her research seeks to determine the way plants are able to detect harmful organisms and come up with long-term survival schemes.
Due Date
Deadline: The deadline is on 14 December 2025 (23:59 GMT).
The candidates are asked to submit their email and documents by December 1, 2025.
Submission Email: Apply Now