Are you passionate about plant science, genetics, or computational biology? The Plant Chronobiology Hub at the University of York is actively welcoming ambitious researchers for MSc by Research and PhD positions in 2026. This is a rare chance to work at the cutting edge of biological timing research in one of the UK’s top science institutions.
🎓 Opportunity Overview
The Plant Chronobiology Hub at the University of York is an interdisciplinary research group dedicated to understanding how plants measure and respond to time. From the molecular mechanics of internal clocks to how crops adapt to changing seasons, this Hub bridges wet-lab experiments with computational approaches including artificial intelligence and mathematical modelling.
They are actively recruiting for postgraduate research positions — both MSc by Research and PhD — for students who want to contribute to real, world-changing science.
The University of York is a member of the prestigious Russell Group and its Department of Biology is internationally recognized for research excellence. Students at this Hub don’t just study biology — they help solve some of the most urgent challenges in food security, climate change, and sustainable agriculture.
🎓 Benefits & Funding
Funding and support vary depending on the programme and Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) you apply through. Here’s what you can generally expect:
- Competitive stipends through partnered DTP programmes (typically £18,000–£20,000/year tax-free for PhD students in the UK)
- Full research training across molecular genetics, computational biology, and advanced imaging
- Access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities at the University of York
- Networking opportunities via the UK BioClock Network, including semi-annual Clock Club meetings
- Cross-university workshops and symposiums through DTP collaboration
- Publication opportunities — previous MSc students have produced published research manuscripts, which have led to further PhD offers
- Career development through outreach, conferences, and collaborative projects
🎓 Available Research Positions & Projects
The Plant Chronobiology Hub currently has several open MSc by Research projects listed on FindAPhD:
🌿 1. Editing Seasonal Time: CRISPR Analysis of Flowering-Time Regulators Use cutting-edge CRISPR technology to study the genetic control of seasonal flowering in plants. Ideal for students interested in gene editing and molecular genetics.
🌿 2. Energy-Efficient Greenhouses for UK Food Security Explore how plant biological timing can be used to design smarter, more energy-efficient growing environments. A practical and highly relevant project for agricultural sustainability.
🌿 3. Sensing Temperature Over Time Investigate how plants detect and respond to temperature changes across different timescales. This project sits at the intersection of physiology, genetics, and climate science.
🌿 4. How Have Plant Clock Genes Evolved to Shape Seasonality? Take an evolutionary biology lens to understand how the internal clocks of plants have shaped seasonal patterns over time. Great for students interested in evolution and bioinformatics.
PhD opportunities are also available through three major Doctoral Training Partnerships:
| DTP Programme | Focus Area |
| Yorkshire Bioscience DTP (YBDTP) | World-class bioscience training |
| ACCE+ DTP | Environment and climate adaptation |
| Plant BioDesign DTP | Plant biotechnology and design |
🎓 MSc by Research in Plant Chronobiology – Highlighted Programme
The Hub has specifically highlighted its MSc by Research in Plant Chronobiology as an outstanding entry point for students bridging laboratory and computational research.
Students in this programme receive advanced training in:
- Confocal Microscopy & Advanced Imaging – visualizing circadian rhythms at the cellular level
- Plant Genetics – including modern breeding and CRISPR-based manipulation
- AI & Machine Learning – applied to biological data and mathematical modelling
Research topics are tailored to student interests and may include:
- Plant Chrononutrition
- Dawn Perception & Sunrise Sensing
- Urban Farming & Controlled Environments
- Accelerated Crop Breeding
- Single Plant Transcriptomics
- Climate Change Adaptation
🎓 Eligibility Criteria
While specific requirements vary by project, general eligibility for these programmes includes:
- A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biology, Plant Science, Biochemistry, Computational Biology, or a related field
- Strong academic background — typically a 2:1 or First Class Honours (or international equivalent)
- English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: 6.5 overall (with no component below 6.0) — or equivalent TOEFL/PTE score
- Check the University of York’s official language requirements for exact thresholds
- Research interest aligned with plant biology, circadian rhythms, genetics, or computational science
- International students are welcome to apply, though funding eligibility may vary by DTP programme
🎓 Who Should Apply?
✅ This opportunity is perfect for:
- Biology or life sciences graduates looking for funded postgraduate research in the UK
- Students interested in CRISPR, genetics, plant physiology, or AI in biology
- International students seeking hands-on UK research experience
- Researchers passionate about climate change, food security, or sustainable agriculture
- Anyone who wants to publish research early in their academic career
❌ This may NOT be suitable for:
- Students without a science background
- Those looking for taught Masters programmes (this is research-only)
- Applicants who are not interested in laboratory or computational work
🎓 Required Documents
Documents typically required for MSc by Research or PhD applications at the University of York:
- Academic transcripts (all degrees)
- CV / Resume highlighting research experience
- Personal statement or research proposal
- Two academic references / recommendation letters
- English language test scores (if applicable)
- Passport copy (for international applicants)
Always verify exact requirements on the official application page.
🎓 Application Process
- Browse open projects at FindAPhD.com — search for “Plant Chronobiology York”
- Choose a project that matches your background and interests
- Contact the relevant co-Director at the Hub via email (firstname.lastname@york.ac.uk) to express your interest before applying
- Submit your application through the University of York’s official portal or the relevant DTP programme website
- Shortlisted candidates will typically be invited for an interview (in-person or online)
For MSc by Research applications, visit: york.ac.uk/biology/study/postgraduate-research/msc-biology-by-research/
🎓 Important Dates
- Soapbox Science Speaker Applications Close: March 2nd (annually)
- PhD DTP deadlines vary — check the YBDTP, ACCE+, and Plant BioDesign websites for their current 2026 rounds
- MSc by Research applications are accepted on a rolling basis — apply early for best consideration
🎓 Why Apply to the Plant Chronobiology Hub?
Here’s why this opportunity stands out among research programmes in the UK:
- 🏛️ Russell Group University – University of York consistently ranks among the UK’s top research institutions
- 🌍 Global relevance – research directly addresses food security and climate adaptation
- 🤝 Interdisciplinary environment – you’ll gain skills across wet-lab science AND computational methods
- 📄 Publication track record – MSc students here have already published peer-reviewed manuscripts
- 🔗 National network access – membership in the UK BioClock Network opens doors to collaborators across the country
- 🌱 Supportive and inclusive team – active commitment to diversity and public outreach via Soapbox Science
🎓 Official Source & Application Links
| Resource | Link |
| Plant Chronobiology Hub | Visit Hub |
| MSc by Research Application | Apply Here |
| Find PhD Projects | Search on FindAPhD |
| Yorkshire Bioscience DTP | Visit YBDTP |
| ACCE+ DTP | Visit ACCE+ |
| Plant BioDesign DTP | Visit Plant BioDesign |
🎓 Scholarship Summary
| Detail | Information |
| Institution | University of York, UK |
| Programme | MSc by Research & PhD in Plant Biology |
| Research Focus | Plant Chronobiology, CRISPR, AI, Climate Adaptation |
| Funding | Available through DTP programmes |
| Intake | 2026 (Rolling applications) |
| Location | York, United Kingdom |
| Open To | Domestic & International Students |
| Official Website | Plant Chronobiology Hub |
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