Using single-cell transcriptomics to understand plant disease (MA_S26DTP3)
Key details
- Application Deadline
- 30 July 2026 (11:59pm UK time)
- Location
- The Sainsbury Laboratory
- Funding Type
- Competition Funded (Home students only)
- Start Date
- 1 October 2026
- Mode of Study
- Full time
- Programme Type
- PhD
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Welcome to Norwich
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Project Description
Primary Supervisor: Professor Wenbo Ma(opens in a new window)
With the human population projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, the looming challenge of feeding the rapidly growing population is threatened by plant pathogens, which cause significant losses in crop yield each year. While controlling microbial pathogens is essential for sustainable agriculture and global food security, developing durable disease resistance requires a deep understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying pathogenesis.
This project will utilize single cell transcriptomics and advanced live cell imaging approaches in combination of classic genetics and molecular biology to understand how the devastating Phytophthora pathogens cause disease in plants. Phytophthora cause numerous destructive diseases including potato late blight that triggered the Great Irish Famine and sudden oak death that has killed millions of forest trees. Worldwide losses due to the potato late blight disease alone are estimated to exceed $5 billion annually. By investigating the intricate interactions between Phytophthora and plant hosts in a single-cell level, this project will reveal fundamental principles of Phytophthora pathogenesis and offer new opportunities to develop disease control strategies. The gained knowledge will contribute to battling Phytophthora diseases and enhancing global food security.
This project offers broad training on cutting-edge, interdisciplinary technologies as well as transferable skills to enhance career planning and professional development so the student will be equipped with the necessary skills to pursue a successful career in science. Excellent support both intellectually and technically will be offered by experienced mentors and support teams. The student will be immersed in a highly collaborative research environment at TSL, NRP and UEA with a strong commitment that supports equality, diversity and inclusion, and promotes open science and excellence in science.
The Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (NRPDTP) is offering fully funded studentships for October 2026 entry. The programme offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year PhD research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. You will join a vibrant community of world-leading researchers. All NRPDTP students undertake a three-month professional internship placement (PIPS) during their study. The placement offers exciting and invaluable work experience designed to enhance professional development. Full support and advice will be provided by our Professional Internship team.
This project has been shortlisted for funding by the NRPDTP. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on 25 or 26 August 2026.
Visit our website for further information on eligibility and how to apply. Please note the guidance for the programme Personal and Research Statements, which the programme template documents must be used in the application. (opens in a new window)https://biodtp.norwichresearchpark.ac.uk/(opens in a new window).
Our partners value diverse and inclusive work environments that are positive and supportive. Students are selected for admission without regard to gender, marital or civil partnership status, disability, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or social background.
To maximise accessibility and attract students from underrepresented groups to our programme we use bespoke templates for applicant Personal and Research statements which will enable every applicant to fully represent themselves through providing suitable examples and evidence. These forms are on the NRPDTP website(opens in a new window) only and must be used for these sections of the application form.
Entry Requirements
At least a 2:1 Bachelors degree.
Funding
This project is awarded with a 4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership PhD DTP studentship. The studentship includes payment of tuition fees (directly to the University), a stipend to cover living expenses (2026/7 stipend rate: £21,805), and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000pa for each year of the studentship.
References
Tang B, Feng L, Hulin MT, Ding P, Ma W * (2023) Cell type-specific responses to fungal infection in plants revealed by single-cell transcriptomics. Cell Host & Microbe. 31: 1-16. doi.org/10.1016/j.chom.2023.08.019.
Li H, Wang J, Kuan TA, Tang B, Feng L, Wang J, Cheng Z, Sklenar J, Derbyshire P, Hulin M, Li Y, Zhai Y, Hou Y, MacLean D, Menke FLH, Wang Y, Ma W* (2023) Pathogen protein modularity enables elaborate mimicry of a host phosphatase. Cell. 186: 1-12. doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2023.05.049.
Hou Y, Zhai Y, Feng L, Karimi HZ, Rutter BD, Zeng L, Choi DS, Zhang B, Gu W, Chen X, Ye W, Innes RW, Zhai J, Ma W* (2019) A Phytophthora effector suppresses trans-kingdom RNAi to promote disease susceptibility. Cell Host & Microbe. 25: 153-165. DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2018.11.007.
Qiao Y, Liu L, Xiong Q, Flores C, Wong J, Shi J, Wang X, Xiang Q, Liu X, Jiang S, Zhang F, Wang Y, Judelson HS, Chen X, Ma W* (2013) Oomycete pathogens encode RNA silencing suppressors. Nature Genetics. 45: 330-333. DOI: 10.1038/ng.2525.
Nobori T*, Oliva M, Lister R, Ecker JR* (2023) Multiplexed single-cell 3D spatial gene expression analysis in plant tissue using PHYTOMap. Nat. Plants 9, 1026–1033. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41477-023-01439-4(opens in a new window).