PhD Studentship: Comparative Phylogenetics of The Leaf Economics Spectrum

Supervisory team

Dr John Ferguson, Dr Amanda Cavanagh and Professor Tracy Lawson, University of Essex School of Life Sciences

Dr Katharina Huber, University of East Anglia School of Computing Science

Scientific background

The leaf economics spectrum (LES) describes plant growth strategies across a gradient from conservative-to-acquisitive growth and resource use. It comprises structural and chemical traits as well as traits relating to carbon metabolism. It is unclear how global LES variation is coordinated with evolutionary relationships. This project addresses this knowledge gap by comparing DNA-based and LES-based phylogenetic relationships across a diverse collection of plant species, forming a foundation for understanding how clades of species will respond to climate change.

Research methodology

The student will perform a comparative analysis of sequence-based and LES-based phylogenetic relationships. During the summer, they will characterise globally diverse flora within the world-famous Beth Chatto’s Gardens, where the visionary principle of growing the right plant in the right place was established. Here, DNA samples will be collected, and the LES will be characterised using cutting-edge techniques (e.g., hyperspectral reflectance, infra-red gas exchange). A field-lab design will promote interactions with garden visitors allowing the student to develop public engagement skills. The student will relocate to Essex to process collected samples (e.g., sequencing, mass spectrometry) and undertake computational analyses. Through this approach the following objectives will be addressed: 

• Determine the extent to which the LES is linked to evolutionary relationships.
• Forecast which clades are at risk to climate change based on how the LES defines environmental interactions.
• Develop machine learning approaches to predict taxonomic assignments and climate change responses using hyperspectral reflectance.

Training

This studentship offers a unique opportunity to pair the world-leading facilities of the Essex Plant Innovation Centre with the diversity housed at Beth Chatto’s Gardens. The student will acquire skills to equip them for a career in a variety of disciplines, e.g., physiology, computational biology, evolution, and science communication. Specifically, the student will develop experience in photo-physiological phenotyping, molecular biology, biochemistry, and computational biology (e.g., machine learning, phylogenetics). They will also be encouraged to present at conferences to enhance their profile.

Person specification

The ideal candidate will have at least an upper-second class degree in a subject aligned to this project (e.g., Plant Biology, Evolutionary Biology). Experience in the following is desirable: physiology, molecular biology, fieldwork, computational biology.

Email a cover letter and CV via the above ‘Apply’ button.

Funding Details

Funding Minimum

Based on UKRI rates 2023/24 £18,622 p.a. 

Additional Funding Information

This project has been shortlisted for funding by the ARIES NERC DTP. 

Successful candidates who meet UKRI’s eligibility criteria will be awarded a NERC studentship, which covers fees, stipend (£18,622 p.a. for 2023/24) and research funding. International applicants are eligible for fully-funded ARIES studentships including fees. Please note however that ARIES funding does not cover additional costs associated with relocation to, and living in, the UK. 

Excellent applicants from quantitative disciplines with limited experience in environmental sciences may be considered for an additional 3-month stipend to take advanced-level courses. 

ARIES is committed to equality, diversity, widening participation and inclusion in all areas of its operation. We encourage enquiries and applications from all sections of the community regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation and transgender status. Academic qualifications are considered alongside significant relevant non-academic experience.

For further information, please visit www.aries-dtp.ac.uk

Closing Date: 23:59 on 10 January 2024