This project is based at the James Hutton Institute (JHI), a global leader in cereal genetics and genomics, and part of the International Barley Hub, a £62 million investment in cereal research.
As climate variability intensifies and fertiliser and pesticide costs continue to rise, the need for crops with stronger genetic resilience and adaptive capacity is becoming globally urgent. Barley still relies heavily on nitrogen fertilisers, raising costs, emissions, and vulnerability to climatic and regulatory pressures.This project aims to accelerate the development of low-input resilient barley varieties by integrating legacy datasets with newly generated field trials data in an advanced statistical modelling framework to identify key genomic regions associated with nitrogen-use-efficiency.
In this project you will make use of the extensive genotypic and phenotypic data present at the JHI. In particular, you will harmonise existing datasets, identify a panel of winter and spring barley and test them under different nitrogen application rates in field trials. You will apply statistical models to identify genomic regions conferring resilience to low-input agriculture and explore genetics approaches to priorities candidate genes from previous datasets. Students with an interest in quantitative genetics and crop improvement would be best suited for this project.
The PhD project will be aligned and integrated into a project comprising international partners that integrates modelling and AI-assisted approaches to identify haplotypes conferring resilience to biotic stress and low-input agriculture. The successful candidate will therefore benefit from training and guidance from the JHI, University of Dundee, and the wider project team. The student will be embedded in the JHI initiatives and will profit from the interaction with a diverse and multidisciplinary scientific community, including other PhD students, and receive training offered by the JHI and University of Dundee. By the end of the project, you will have acquired skills in quantitative genetic, experimental design, data analysis, and molecular biology. Students are encouraged to present their work at international conferences, contribute to scientific publications, as well as engage with commercial partners and the public.
Funding Notes:
This 4 year studentship opportunity is open to UK students and provides funding to cover stipend, UK tuition fees and consumable/travel costs.
Students must meet the eligibility criteria as outlined in the UKRI guidance on UK and international candidates. Applicants will have a first-class honours degree in a relevant subject or a 2.1 honours degree plus Masters (or equivalent).
This project is based at the Dundee site of the James Hutton Institute, UK
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. Mylnefield Trust: Unlocking barley resilience for low-input agriculture 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
