About the Project
Coriander is a key botanical in beverage production and second only to juniper in gin. Its distinctive aroma arises from volatile organic compounds, including aldehydes and terpenoids, whose abundance varies with genetics and growing conditions. As climate change increases production uncertainty, maintaining consistent flavour in globally sourced coriander presents a significant challenge for the beverage industry.
This PhD studentship, supported by industrial sponsor Diageo, will investigate how environmental conditions influence coriander aroma, identifying opportunities to safeguard ingredient quality and develop climate-resilient production systems. Combining plant science, controlled-environment experimentation and advanced chemical analysis, the project offers an opportunity to address an industrial challenge through interdisciplinary research.
The successful candidate will explore aroma diversity across commercial cultivars used by Diageo and genetically diverse accessions from a range of geographic sources. Initial experiments under standardised growing conditions will establish baseline variation and identify promising material for further investigation.
Subsequent experiments will examine how light, temperature, humidity and water availability influence volatile composition. Controlled-environment facilities will enable investigation of contrasting conditions, including drought, flooding and temperature extremes, to understand how different genotypes respond to climate-related stresses.
Using headspace sampling and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, the student will characterise volatile compounds. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry will provide complementary information on metabolites and aroma precursors. Integrating these datasets through multivariate analysis will reveal relationships between growing conditions, plant metabolism and aroma production, highlighting biosynthetic pathways, potential regulatory control points and candidate genes for future validation.
During the first 18 months, the student will undertake a literature review, assemble the germplasm collection and develop experimental and analytical skills. They will optimise cultivation, harvesting and chemical profiling methods, establish baseline datasets across the germplasm panel, and begin environmental experiments using selected genotypes.
The research will identify aroma traits that remain desirable under contrasting environmental conditions. Findings will inform assessment of future growing locations for high-quality coriander and the potential productivity of controlled-environment agriculture as an alternative supply system for Diageo.
The student will receive structured support in experimental design, controlled-environment cultivation, mass spectrometry, data integration and industry engagement. Opportunities will include presenting research at conferences and preparing publications, subject to commercial confidentiality requirements.
This project will suit a motivated researcher interested in connecting plant diversity, environmental responses and flavour chemistry, while developing practical expertise relevant to sustainable agriculture, ingredient innovation and industrial research, with direct relevance to the resilience and consistency of future botanical supply chains.
Funding Notes
This 3.5yr PhD project is a competition jointly funded by The James Hutton Institute and an industrial partner. This opportunity is open to UK students and will provide funding to cover a stipend and UK level tuition. Students must meet the eligibility criteria as outlined in the UKRI guidance on UK and international candidates. Applicants will have a first-class, 2.1 honours degree, or Masters in a relevant subject.
How to Apply
To obtain application forms and further details of how to apply, please click 'Apply Now'. Please note that the closing date for applications is 11/01/2027.
Our Commitment to Equality and Diversity
Any applications that miss the deadline will not be considered.
Our Commitment to Equality and Diversity
We will not consider the use of 3rd party recruitment agencies for the sourcing of candidates for this position.
The James Hutton Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
The James Hutton Institute is a: Stonewall Diversity Champion; Athena SWAN Silver Status Holder; Disability Confident Committed Employer and a Living Wage Employer.
The James Hutton Institute is Happy to Talk Flexible Working.
The Company
The James Hutton Institute combines strengths in crops, soils and land use and environmental research, and makes a major contribution to the understanding of key global issues, such as food, energy and environmental security, and developing and promoting effective technological and management solutions to these.
James Hutton (1726 – 1797) was a leading figure of the Scottish Enlightenment, an eighteenth century golden age of intellectual and scientific achievements centred on Edinburgh. He is internationally regarded as the founder of modern geology and one of the first scientists to describe the Earth as a living system. His thinking on natural selection influenced Charles Darwin in developing his theory of evolution.
Our Values
PhD Student Vacancy. Climate-resilient coriander: Understanding and protecting flavour for the beverage industry in Dundee employer: The James Hutton Institute
The James Hutton Institute is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values diversity and promotes employee growth. With a commitment to flexible working and a focus on impactful research in ecological science, employees have the opportunity to engage in meaningful projects while benefiting from professional development and collaboration with a range of stakeholders. Located in a vibrant academic environment, the Institute fosters creativity and innovation, making it an ideal place for those looking to contribute to significant global challenges.
Contact Details:
The James Hutton Institute Recruitment Team
