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Plant physiologist

Studying the biological, chemical and physical processes within plants, this role focuses on investigating organ-level and whole-plant responses to their environment

Training, qualifications and skills A BSc/MSc degree in a discipline relating to plant biology, a PhD in Plant Physiology
Career progression opportunities Academic or industrial research, environmental consultancy and advisory work, teaching, science writing
Useful links The Society for Experimental Biology
The Federation of European Societies of Plant Biology
British Society for Plant Pathology

Focus on: Principal horticultural scientist

Tijana Blanusa
RHS
Full time, salary up to £45k
Wisley, Surrey

I investigate different aspects of plant function (for example, their capacity to use water or exchange gasses such as CO2, water vapour), and put that to use in a practical context. The outputs of my research will help us to establish which plants we should use to improve air quality, enhance summer cooling of our built environments, or mitigate flood risks.

From quite a young age the academic world appealed to me, so I persevered with my studies. Practical application of research was important to me, so I looked for opportunites to link the two elements.

To qualify me for this role, I have a BSc degree in in Crop Science, MSc in Plant Physiology and PhD in Plant Physiology/Biochemistry. My post-doctoral training included areas of Plant Physiology, Urban Ecology and Environmental Horticulture.

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.