At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop innovative telemetric technology for sustainable grain storage and food safety.
- Company: Pioneering tech company in Edinburgh, leading in robotic grain monitoring solutions.
- Benefits: Gain a PhD with hands-on research experience and contribute to climate-positive solutions.
- Other info: Collaborative project with Cranfield University, offering unique interdisciplinary research opportunities.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of agri-tech innovation and tackle climate change challenges.
- Qualifications: Background in applied mycology, data science, or related fields.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Imagine you had the opportunity to work on something as exciting as the development of the first aerial drone before drones were a thing! At Crover Ltd we are a pioneering, multi-award-winning company based in central Edinburgh, Scotland and we have developed the first ever ‘below-ground’ robotic device (a ‘CROVER’) able to move through dense dry granular media (e.g. sand, grains, powders) at fully-buried depths. Crover's first product is a small robotic device for the monitoring of cereal grains stored in bulk (e.g. in sheds or grain bins), allowing grain storage operators to identify critical conditions like hotspots early and maintain the quality of the grains through proactive management.
We have partnered with Cranfield University to offer a PhD opportunity in Applied Mycology and Data Science.
PhD Project Title: Implementation of innovative telemetric technology towards carbon-neutral and safe grain storage
The project focuses on environmental sustainability in grain storage, developing telemetric robotic sensing and predictive modelling to control mycotoxin (Ochratoxin A) risk while reducing postharvest drying energy demand. Combining applied mycology, food safety modelling, precision agriculture and Net Zero energy systems, the research will deliver energy-efficient, data-driven grain storage solutions for the UK agri-food sector.
This interdisciplinary project sits at the intersection of bioengineering, heat and mass transfer, predictive modelling, postharvest systems engineering and applied microbiology. It addresses the urgent need for energy-efficient grain storage solutions in the context of climate change and Net Zero commitments. By integrating thermal dynamics, moisture migration modelling and real-time telemetric sensing, the research responds constructively to the dual challenge of maintaining food safety while reducing the carbon footprint of postharvest cereal management across the UK supply chain.
The project aims to collaboratively design and validate an integrated engineering and biological modelling framework for carbon-efficient grain storage. It will combine heat and moisture transfer modelling, stochastic prediction of fungal growth and Ochratoxin A risk, and optimisation of in situ robotic sensing technology. Through this systems-based approach, the research will generate balanced, data-informed strategies that enable proportionate ventilation, cooling and drying decisions, reducing unnecessary energy use while safeguarding grain safety.
Start: 28 September 2026
Duration: 3.5 years
PhD: Telemetric Grain Storage for Safe, Green Postharvest in Bedford employer: Crover Ltd
At Crover Ltd, we pride ourselves on being a pioneering force in agricultural technology, offering a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of innovation in grain storage solutions. Our vibrant work culture in central Edinburgh fosters collaboration and creativity, while our partnership with Cranfield University provides exceptional growth opportunities for PhD candidates to engage in meaningful research that addresses critical environmental challenges. Join us to be part of a team that is not only shaping the future of food safety but also contributing to sustainable practices in the agri-food sector.
