PhD Studentship (funded): Modification and developmental control of leaf surface wettability in floating aquatic plants

The University of Exeter’s Department of Biosciences (Streatham Campus) is inviting applications for a PhD studentship funded by the Leverhulme Trust to commence between October 2025 and January 2026. The studentship covers UK Home tuition fees plus an annual tax-free stipend of at least £20,780 for 4 years full-time. Based in an interdisciplinary lab, the student will use floating aquatic plants to unravel how plants tweak the wettability of their leaves, thereby paving the way for novel approaches to sustainable pest control.
A supervisory team comprising a plant scientist, a cell biologist and a physicist, as well as two postdocs with expert experience in bioimaging, cuticular biochemistry, transcriptomics and bioinformatics, will provide bespoke training and advice at different stages of the project. Supported by this team, the student will (1) quantify the wettability of upper and lower leaf surfaces, (2) identify differences in cuticular composition, layering and surface texture, (3) disentangle the relative contributions of chemical composition and surface texture to wetting, and (4) investigate how plants can make surfaces with contrasting wetting properties within the same organ. This project offers a unique opportunity for a PhD student to acquire a very broad skill set of biochemical, biophysical, bioimaging and molecular techniques, combined with diverse data analysis and bioinformatics skills.
The project would suit a student with a background in plant science, cell biology, molecular biology or biochemistry. Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to work in an interdisciplinary team are essential. An additional background in bioimaging, analytical chemistry or physics, as well as experience with practical lab work (e.g. from a previous Masters degree) are advantageous. Interested students are strongly encouraged to contact the lead supervisor, Dr Ulrike Bauer, to discuss the details of the project ahead of applying.
The funding provided for this studentship cannot be used to recruit students who are classed as International for fees.