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PhD Student Vacancy.
Mylnefield Trust: Unlocking the Diversity of the Commonwealth Potato Collection for Resilient Potato Breeding
Starting Salary -
Location Dundee
This is a Fixed Term, Full Time vacancy that will close in 2 months at 12:00 GMT.
The Vacancy
Can the genetic secrets of wild potatoes help us develop the next generation of climate-resilient crops?
Potato is the world's third most important food crop, yet its production faces increasing challenges from climate change, emerging diseases and pests. Hidden within wild potato species are valuable genes that could transform how we breed potatoes for the future.
The Commonwealth Potato Collection (CPC), hosted at the James Hutton Institute in Scotland, represents an extraordinary reservoir of genetic diversity. This exciting PhD project will use cutting-edge technologies to unlock that diversity and discover how it can be harnessed for more resilient and sustainable potato production.
The Project
You will combine advanced genomics, bioinformatics, artificial intelligence and experimental plant biology to explore the remarkable diversity of wild potatoes.
Your Research Will Involve
- Next-generation genomics: Using Oxford Nanopore long-read sequencing, genome assembly and comparative genomics to uncover previously unexplored genetic variation.
- Artificial intelligence and bioinformatics: Applying computational approaches to identify genes and predict their functions.
- Plant immunity: Discovering and investigating genes associated with resistance to major potato diseases and pests.
- Reproductive biology: Exploring genetic barriers that prevent valuable traits from being transferred from wild species into cultivated potatoes.
- Translational research: Connecting scientific discoveries with practical applications in commercial potato breeding.
Training and Career Opportunities This studentship offers an exceptional prospect to develop a highly transferable combination of laboratory, computational and analytical skills. You will join an internationally recognised research environment at the James Hutton Institute and the University of Dundee, benefiting from expertise spanning genomics, plant genetics, biodiversity and biotechnology.
Through the National Potato Innovation Centre (NPIC), you will gain exposure to commercial breeding programmes, industry-led research priorities and the translation of scientific discoveries into real-world applications.
You will also benefit from international research collaborations and opportunities to engage with scientists, breeders and biotechnology partners.
Who should apply?
We welcome enthusiastic, curious and motivated candidates with an interest in genetics, molecular biology, plant sciences, biotechnology, bioinformatics or related disciplines. Previous experience in all these areas is not required; comprehensive training will be provided.
Join us in turning the untapped genetic diversity of wild potatoes into solutions for the future of agriculture.
Supervisory Team: Professor Ingo Hein, Dr Amanpreet Kaur, Gaynor McKenzie and Dr Isabelle Colas.
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.
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We respect and value our people and the people we engage with
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We lead by example
We foster creativity and innovation
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Published
9 hours ago
Closing in 2 months
Closing
Closing in 2 months
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📌 PhD Student Vacancy. Mylnefield Trust: Unlocking the Diversity of the Commonwealth Potato Collection for Resilient Potato Breeding (Queensland)
🏢 Hutton Scientific Services
📍 Queensland