At a Glance
- Tasks: Explore the fascinating interactions between pests and pathogens in wheat crops.
- Company: Join a leading research team at the University of Nottingham and Keele University.
- Benefits: Fully funded PhD studentship with tuition fees covered and a tax-free stipend.
- Other info: Gain advanced training and engage with industry partners for future career opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable agriculture and food security through innovative research.
- Qualifications: 1st, 2:1 or MSc degree in relevant biological sciences required.
The predicted salary is between 18000 - 25000 £ per year.
Subject Area: Plant Health, Food Security, Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Resilience
Research Title: Hidden Pest-Pathogen Alliances: Unravelling the Mechanisms of Aphid-Fungal Cooperation on Wheat
Research Description: Wheat underpins global food security, providing a major source of calories for both human consumption and animal feed. However, crop productivity is increasingly threatened by plant diseases, insect pests, climate change, and growing pressure to reduce chemical inputs. Understanding how multiple biological threats interact within crops represents one of the major challenges facing sustainable agriculture. Plant pathogens and insect herbivores are typically studied in isolation, despite sharing the same host and frequently occurring together in agricultural systems. Emerging evidence suggests that interactions between pests and pathogens can profoundly alter plant health, disease development, and crop productivity. However, the ecological and molecular mechanisms underpinning these interactions remain poorly understood.
This fully funded PhD studentship, supported by leading UK agricultural charities, will investigate interactions between the fungal pathogen Fusarium graminearum, the causal agent of Fusarium Head Blight (FHB), and the English grain aphid (Sitobion avenae), one of the most economically important pests of cereal crops. FHB causes substantial losses through yield reduction and contamination of grain with harmful mycotoxins, while aphids impact crop performance through direct feeding damage and modification of plant physiological responses. The project will investigate how fungal infection influences aphid behaviour, how aphids modify disease development, and how wheat responds to simultaneous attack by pests and pathogens.
Combining plant pathology, chemical ecology, molecular biology, metabolomics, transcriptomics, bioinformatics, and systems biology, the research will uncover the mechanisms governing interactions within the wheat-aphid-fungus system and identify new opportunities for sustainable crop protection. The student will receive advanced interdisciplinary training in behavioural ecology, fungal biology, analytical chemistry, mass spectrometry, multi-omics data integration, disease epidemiology, and molecular plant-microbe-insect interactions. Research will utilise world-leading facilities at the University of Nottingham, including advanced metabolomics, genomics, controlled-environment facilities, and bioinformatics infrastructure, alongside specialist chemical ecology facilities at Keele University.
The supervisory team comprises internationally recognised researchers in plant pathology, insect chemical ecology, analytical bioscience, biotechnology, and bioinformatics. The project offers opportunities to engage with breeders, agronomists, industry partners, and the wider agricultural sector, providing excellent preparation for careers in academia, biotechnology, crop protection, plant breeding, and agri‑food innovation.
Keyword Search: Plant Pathology, Entomology, Chemical Ecology, Molecular Biology, Multi-omics, Systems Biology, Crop Protection, Wheat, Fusarium, Aphids, Sustainable Agriculture, Food Security, Climate Change
Award Start Date: 01/10/2026
Duration of Award: 48 months
Terms and Conditions: This research studentship is only available to UK citizens and includes payment of tuition fees and a tax‑free stipend based on current BBSRC rates.
Applicant Qualification Requirements: 1st, 2:1 or MSc degree in Plant science, Agriculture, Microbiology, Ecology, Biotechnology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Molecular biology, or related biological sciences.
Secondary Supervisor in Nottingham employer: Keele University
As a leading research institution, the University of Nottingham offers an exceptional environment for aspiring scientists in the field of sustainable agriculture. With access to world-class facilities and a collaborative work culture, employees benefit from advanced interdisciplinary training and opportunities for professional growth. The supportive supervisory team, comprising internationally recognised experts, ensures that students are well-prepared for impactful careers in academia and industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Secondary Supervisor in Nottingham
✨Connect with Local Farms and Communities
Get your hands dirty by connecting with local farms and agricultural co-operatives. Many farms look for trainees, especially during peak seasons, so don’t hesitate to reach out directly or attend local agricultural fairs where you can meet farmers and learn about potential opportunities.
✨Join Agronomy or Farming Groups
Dive into online communities or local meetups focused on agriculture. Join Facebook groups, LinkedIn networks, or relevant forums where both new and experienced agricultural professionals hang out. It’s a fantastic way to learn from others and keep an ear out for trainee openings that might not be widely advertised.
✨Volunteer for Agricultural Projects
Consider volunteering for agricultural initiatives or research projects. This not only gives you hands-on experience but also connects you with industry professionals who can vouch for your commitment and skills when trainee positions crop up.
✨Don’t Sleep on Job Portals and Local Advertisements
Keep an eye on job portals and local newspapers for trainee positions in agriculture. Sometimes, the best opportunities are listed in local ads or e-newsletters from agricultural societies. And of course, don’t forget to apply directly through our website for any roles that spark your interest!
We think you need these skills to ace Secondary Supervisor in Nottingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Agriculture:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for agriculture shine through! Talk about why you’re interested in this industry and what excites you about becoming a trainee at Keele University. Whether it's a project you've done or a field experience, showing passion can really set you apart from the crowd.
Highlight Relevant Coursework and Projects:Since you're applying for a trainee position, it's crucial to feature any relevant coursework or projects on your CV. If you've taken subjects related to crop science, animal husbandry, or sustainable farming practices, be sure to mention them. This will show that you've got the foundational knowledge needed to succeed at Keele University.
Research the Company’s Values:Learn about Keele University and its values — maybe they focus on sustainable practices or innovation in agriculture. Weave this knowledge into your application, especially in your cover letter, to demonstrate that you’re not just looking for any role, but this role with them. It shows you’re truly interested and can help you connect your own values with theirs.
Keep It Informal and Accessible:As a trainee, employers at Keele University will be looking for potential and eagerness to learn rather than a pristine record. Use a friendly tone in your application, showing your personality! Be sure to share any hands-on experiences, even if they were just side projects or volunteering, to showcase your willingness to dive into the work.
How to prepare for a job interview at Keele University
✨Brush Up on Your Agricultural Knowledge
Make sure you're familiar with current trends in agriculture, including sustainable practices and the latest technologies like precision farming. Knowing about these topics will show Keele University that you’re genuinely interested in the field and ready to learn.
✨Hands-On Skills Matter
Since it’s a trainee role, they might ask you about any practical experience you’ve had in farming or agricultural projects. If you've worked on a farm, even just a summer job, be ready to highlight what you did, any specific techniques you learned, and how it shaped your interest in agriculture.
✨Show Your Passion for Learning
As a trainee, your eagerness to learn will be a big selling point. Think about what excites you about the agricultural industry and how being part of Keele University could help you grow. Be prepared to share your career aspirations in this context.
✨Expect Behavioural Questions
Prepare for some good old behavioural interview questions focusing on teamwork and problem-solving, which are vital in agriculture. Think of scenarios where you’ve worked collaboratively, demonstrated resilience, or dealt with challenges in fieldwork or group projects.
