Project Overview:

This an interdisciplinary and international challenge funded jointly between the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and the University of Reading Graduate School. It primarily involves biochemistry, analytical and flavour chemistry and plant breeding, but incorporates aspects of agriculture and food processing.  Millet is a rich source of nutrients for developing countries and is underexploited due to its short shelf life and the development of a rancid flavour during storage. We are looking for someone who enjoys a multidisciplinary challenge to tackle this problem and make a real difference to sustainable nutrition in India.

The project will involve liaising with ICRISAT on a regular basis, working with their breeding programs to implement a suite of techniques to phenotype a proportion of the germplasm which has been grown, processed and stored under different conditions. Techniques involve targeted analysis of aroma and other metabolites, untargeted metabolomics and sensory analysis. There is the option to spend 3 months with the breeding team at ICRISAT.

Training opportunities:

You will have an opportunity to work in a multidisciplinary research area between the departments of chemistry, agriculture and food and nutritional sciences at the University of Reading under the umbrella of the Institute for Food Nutrition and Health, and liaise with the plant breeding teams within ICRISAT. The University will provide training, technical and academic support and you will develop transferable skills through the extensive Reading Researcher Development Program.

Student profile and eligibility:

The successful candidate will possess minimum 2:1 Honours degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Agriculture, Food Science, Engineering or equivalent qualification(s). A degree in MPhil, MEng, MSc or relevant industrial experience would be an advantage. Students should be keen to engage with the interdisciplinary nature of the project, but expertise in all aspects is not required/expected as full training will be given

Funding Details:   

• Starts October 2022
• 3-year award
• Funding covers UK full home tuition fees plus UKRI stipend of ~£15k per annum
• Due to restrictions on the funding, this studentship will only pay the UK home students fees. The fees for international students are significantly higher. An international student, if appointed, will be expected to pay the difference of £16k per annum. 

How to apply:  

To apply click at https://ukvied.co.uk/contactus/

Further Enquiries:  

Please note that, where a candidate is successful in being awarded funding, this will be confirmed via a formal studentship award letter; this will be provided separately from any Offer of Admission and will be subject to standard checks for eligibility and other criteria. 

For further details please contact Dr Nhan.Luong at nhan.luong@ukvied.co.uk