PhD Studentship
Unveiling the natural sulphur potential of biological nitrogen fixation in faba bean
Supervisory Team:
This PhD aims to understand the potential nature of sulphur on biological nitrogen fixation in faba beans. Sulphur is an essential mineral nutrient for plant growth and development; important for primary and specialized plant metabolites that are crucial for biotic and abiotic interactions. Sulphur also plays a crucial role in biological nitrogen fixation, a natural process belonging to legumes that symbiosis with bacteria through root nodules to fix atmospheric nitrogen. Root nodules have a high demand for sulphur. In nodulated legumes, biological nitrogen fixation is more sensitive to sulphur deficiency than nitrate uptake. However, the natural sources of gypsum-mine-derived sulphur-containing by-product’s effect on plant growth, development and biological nitrogen fixation is largely unexplored. This 3.5-year project will unveil the functional relationship between sulphur nutrition and biological nitrogen fixation in faba beans using 15N stable isotopes.
Training and Development
The successful candidate will receive comprehensive research training including technical, personal, and professional skills. All researchers at ÑÇÖÞÉ«°É are part of the Doctoral College and College of Health and Science wider postgraduate community, which provides support with high quality training and career development opportunities.
Funding
This PhD studentship is fully funded and covers University fees for 3.5 years.
Entry requirements for applicants to PhD
A Master’s (honours) degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum mark of 60% in the project element (or equivalent), and the potential to engage in innovative research, and to complete the PhD within 3.5 years.
How to Apply
To find out more about the project, please contact Dr Ravi Valluru (rvalluru@lincoln.ac.uk).
Applications will require a two-page CV and a 2000-word supporting statement, showing how the applicant's expertise and interests are relevant to the project.