Oxygenic photosynthesis in desert environments driven by far-red light

Overview

Photosynthesis provides all food and most energy resources on Earth. Photoautotrophic cyanobacteria and algae contribute the vast majority of primary productivity in aquatic environments, with higher plants performing the majority on land. Plants and marine oxygenic phototrophs use chlorophylls (Chls) a and b to harvest visible wavelengths of light to power this carbon fixation.

About this opportunity

In 2010, a cyanobacterium inhabiting a stromatolite was discovered using a new pigment, Chl f, allowing it to harvest far-red wavelengths that penetrate these microbial fossils and permit oxygenic photosynthesis in the absence of visible light. Subsequently, cyanobacteria synthesising Chl f and performing far-red photosynthesis have been discovered in diverse shaded terrestrial environments (microbial mats, soils, rock), underpinning food webs in these niches.

Deserts are predominantly devoid of plant life, but our recent sampling of arid, below-surface desert/sabkha environments in Western Sahara, completely shaded from visible light, revealed an incredible abundance and diversity of cyanobacteria. We aim to estimate the contribution of below-surface photosynthesis to global primary productivity and ecosystem function, via a detailed study of the microorganisms involved.

The objectives are to:

Isolate and sequence axenic strains of cyanobacteria from our samples, revealing taxonomic diversity
Develop desert crust and salt pan analogues for studying far-red photosynthesis
Perform comprehensive pigment analysis to identify novel far-red absorbing pigments
Estimate global primary production occurring below the surface of desert environments.

Who is this opportunity for?

This project is open to self-funded UK and international applicants.

How to apply

1. Contact supervisors
- Dr Daniel Canniffe.
2. Prepare your application documents

You may need the following documents to complete your online application:
- A research proposal (this should cover the research you’d like to undertake)
- University transcripts and degree certificates to date
- Passport details (international applicants only)
- English language certificates (international applicants only)
- A personal statement
- A curriculum vitae (CV)
- Contact details for two proposed supervisors
- Names and contact details of two referees.
3. Apply

Finally, register and apply online. You'll receive an email acknowledgment once you've submitted your application. We'll be in touch with further details about what happens next.

Fees and funding

Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.

Tuition fees

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)

Full-time place, per year - £5,006

International fees

Full-time place, per year - £31,250

Fees stated are for the 2025-26 academic year.

Additional costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.

Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this project.

Funding your PhD

This opportunity is for students with their own funding. Funding should cover course fees, living expenses and research expenses (bench fees).

If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Doctoral Loan worth up to £30,301 to help with course fees and living costs.

There’s also a variety of alternative sources of funding. These include funded research opportunities and financial support from UK research councils, charities and trusts. Your supervisor may be able to help you secure funding.

My qualifications are from United Kingdom.

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition fees and living expenses.

Duncan Norman Research Scholarship

If you’re awarded this prestigious scholarship, you’ll receive significant funding to support your postgraduate research. This includes full payment of your PhD fees and a cash bursary of £17,000 per year while you study. One award is available in each academic year.

John Lennon Memorial Scholarship

If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for financial support worth up to £12,000 per year for up to three years of full-time postgraduate research (or up to five years part-time pro-rata).

Sport Liverpool Performance Programme

Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.

Discover our full range of scholarships and bursaries.

Contact us

Have a question about this research opportunity or studying a PhD with us? Please get in touch with us, using the contact details below, and we’ll be happy to assist you.

Dr Daniel Canniffe