Barley Industrial Training Network (BARIToNE)

A greener world. Excellent career prospects.

The barley sector is facing two key problems: i) the need to produce high quality barley in a carbon neutral manner with fewer environmental impacts ii) a shortage of highly trained scientists with diverse skillsets and knowledge of the whole barley supply chain. BARIToNE aims to meet both these needs.

BARIToNE is a BBSRC funded Collaborative Training Partnership (CTP) comprising 18 industrial and 7 academic collaborating partners. The research focus of this industry-led CTP is driving down the environmental footprint of primary production while maintaining a sustainable supply of high-quality barley. The legacy of this CTP will be the scientists who go on to work at the forefront of barley science in both industry and academia.

Our collaborative research projects are centred around three main themes:

1. Climate resilience
2. Reducing inputs
3. Healthy soils

Please see individual project descriptions for more details as well as for information on the supervisory team and primary location.

What do we offer you?

• Collaborative PhD projects run by internationally renowned scientists
• Work placement(s) of 3-6 months in the industry research environment
• Comprehensive skills training across the entire barley supply and value chain
• BARIToNE specific training utilising expertise of both academic and industrial partners (Induction events, Intellectual property and Entrepreneurship training, visits to farms, malting sites and many more)
• A voice in the decision making, representing your peers as BARIToNE Champion

Part-time study is an option for some of the projects (please indicate at time of application).

These positions are fully funded, and each award covers a full UKRI stipend (currently £18,622) tuition fees, training, and travel budget. We also offer enhanced support to individuals with primary care responsibilities or disabilities.

Closing date for applications: 31^st January 2024

Interviews: February/March 2024

Eligibility

Applications are welcome from all nationalities and applicants are expected to hold (or be about to achieve) at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or demonstrable equivalent experience) in a relevant subject (e.g. Biology, Genetics, Plant Sciences, Ecology, Soil Science, Computer Sciences etc.). Full details on UKRI eligibility criteria can be found in the Training Grant T&Cs here.

We particularly encourage students from groups that are currently underrepresented in postgraduate science research, including black and minority ethnic (BME) students and those from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. We are committed to being part of an evolving community of practitioners who will develop and share practice to bring science and culture together, placing both firmly at the heart of what we do.

How to apply

Applications to the BARIToNE programme are made through an on-line pre-application form, linked below.

After the deadline has passed, anonymised application forms are shortlisted by a panel. If invited to the next stage, you will be interviewed by members of the research project team as well as representation from the BARIToNE executive committee.

An Online Applicant Open Day for prospective students will be held on the 18^th December from 2-3pm:

Join us to find out more about the BARIToNE PhD programme!

We will cover:

• Guidance on completing the pre-application form
• Selection process and interviews
• Hear from current students about what it's like to be a BARIToNE PhD student

This event is hosted by University of Dundee but will be equally relevant for those applying to projects based at the James Hutton Institute or University of Nottingham.