5 PhD Fully Funded Positions in Agrobiodiversity; Plant Genetic Resources and Functional Biodiversity in Agroecosystems in Italy

 5 PhD Fully Funded Positions in Agrobiodiversity; Plant Genetic Resources and Functional Biodiversity in Agroecosystems in Italy

5 PhD Fully Funded Positions in Agrobiodiversity; Plant genetic resources and Functional Biodiversity in Agroecosystems at Sant’Anna di Pisa in Italy; n. 5 positions with Scholarshipfunded by Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna: Further positions may be activated on the basis of additional financial resources, for specific agreements. The goal of this four-year PhD Programme is to enhance human resource capacities in the use and management of genetic variation in agricultural and natural systems, to improve the sustainability of agricultural systems and the conservation of genetic resources for the well-being of present and future generations. Candidates can choose between two curricula:

• Curriculum A – Plant genetic resources
• Curriculum B – Functional biodiversity in agroecosystems

Here are some examples of research areas tackled by the PhD Programme:

• Genetic variation in single genes and entire genomes of agricultural and forestry plants and their wild relatives.
• Mechanisms that control the variability in genes and/or groups of genes, as those involved in resistance to pathogens and/or pests and tolerance to environmental factors.
• Role of functional biodiversity in maintaining genetic diversity, including evolution and co-evolution of pests/pathogens and host plants.
• Role of functional diversity, including interactions between pests/ pathogens/weeds and domesticated/volunteer/wild plants, in agroecosystem health.
• Plant and crop physiology, including plant stress physiology and post-harvest physiology.
• Application of agrobiodiversity solutions at genetic, species and habitat level to improve crop performance, crop protection, sustainable crop/agroforestry management and multifunctional land use.

Scholarships are for the duration of the relevant Ph.D. Programmes and confirmed annually upon admission to the following year by approval from the Advisory Board of the individual Programme. Ph.D. scholarships are awarded following the ranking order, except for scholarships linked to specific topics or research projects, which may be awarded to the first eligible candidate(s) identified by the Selection Committee. The annual budget for each student comprises a scholarship of € 16,243.00 including social security charges payable by the recipient and paid in monthly instalments in arrears, and a housing grant of € 2,200/year.

About The Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies, or Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna de Pisa to give its full Italian name, is a public university specialising in applied sciences. Established in 1987, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna is ranked in the top ten of the Times Higher Education’s 150 Under 50, celebrating young, successful universities. Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna is a university with the accreditation to award its own master’s and PhDs, but its undergraduate degrees are awarded in partnership with the University of Pisa. Students at the University of Pisa sit rigorous exams for entrance to Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna’s programme.

Beginning of the PhD Programme: October, 1st 2024

Information Tel: +39 050.882.604

e-mail: info-phdlifesciences@sssup.it

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How to apply:

The submission deadline for the online application is extended to May 7, 2024, at 12.00 p.m. (Midday, Italian time) Publication of shortlisted candidates invited to the interview: May 31, 2024, Apply via: ONLINE APPLICATION 

See Application Attachments below:

PhD Admission Call PDF – 439.36 KB

Factsheet PhD in Agrobiodiversity PDF – 480.43 KB

Tutorial Online Application Form PDF – 1.4 MB