Mylnefield Trust Scholars: Harnessing heritage genetics to improve adaptation to micronutrient deficiency in barley

This project is based at the James Hutton Institute (JHI), a global leader in cereal genetics and home of the International Barley Hub (IBH).

The project aims at gaining novel insight into how plants acquire and maintain optimal levels of Manganese, an essential micronutrient whose availability impacts multiple aspects of plant growth and development. This includes changes to root and shoot morphology, which may contribute to the efficiency of minerals and water uptake. Modern breeding has targeted yield and high quality under high-input conditions reducing crops biodiversity. Conversely, locally-adapted cultivars, designated landraces, retain the capacity to grow profitably on marginal soils and therefore represent an untapped resource for sustainable agriculture.

We have previously shown that barley landraces adapted to marginal soils in Orkney, known as "Bere" barley, outperform modern varieties when grown in Mn deficient soils. We identified regions in the barley genome underpinning Bere's resilience to marginal soils. In this project we want to build on this preliminary data identifying the morphological and physiological factors contributing to Mn efficiency in barley using a three-pronged experimental approach. First, using the genetic resources generated for this project and an array of biochemistry and visualisation approaches, the candidate will define the Mn induced changes in root and shoot morphology and how these impact Mn uptake. Next, the candidate will use state-of-the-art transcriptomics to define how Mn availability modulates gene expression in plant. In parallel, the candidate will use microbiological techniques to explore how the microbial communities thriving at the root-soil interface, the so-called plant microbiota, contribute to barley's adaptation to limited Mn supplies. Taken together, results of this project will identify mechanisms which will contribute to a sustainable, future-proof, cereal production, in barley and beyond.

At the completion of the project, the student will have acquired skills in an array of widely applicable laboratories techniques, from standard molecular biology to microscopy, biochemistry and computational biology. The student will also develop capacity in experimental design, data analysis, scientific writing and oral presentation. 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. The project addresses a trait of relevance to the barley industry in the face of sustainable agriculture, offering opportunities for the student to interact closely with commercial breeders, agronomists and farmers.

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.

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 Bronze Status Holder; Disability Confident Committed Employer and a Living Wage Employer.

The James Hutton Institute is Happy to Talk Flexible Working.