The Vacancy
Background
Micronutrients, including copper, zinc, and iron, are elements that are necessary for healthy growth and development in plants and humans, despite being required in small amounts. In plants, copper underpins photosynthesis, which is an essential process, allowing them to grow and in the case of cereal plants, produce viable grain. Zinc is another micronutrient that has well documented benefits for human health, and currently it is estimated that 2 billion people are not consuming enough zinc. Our recent research has identified genes that underpin copper transport and zinc content in the grain concentration in barley which can help to maintain yields and support biofortification efforts (Dinsa et al., 2025, Shadbolt in prep), however while we know that these genes regulate the content of these key micronutrients, the mechanisms of these genes is not yet understood. This project aims to explore the roles of these genes further. We will combine extensive datasets and knowledge from barley and rice allowing us to translate findings from one crop into the other directly.
Aims/Objectives
This project aims to gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underpinning the transport and accumulation of these two important micronutrients in two globally important crops. Furthermore, we aim to elucidate the impact that these micronutrients have on a range of agronomically relevant traits, under abiotic stress which will become a more common occurrence under climate change.
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.
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
We respect and value our people and the people we engage with
We want to make a difference
We strive to be excellent in everything we do
We lead by example
We foster creativity and innovation
