james hutton institute PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

Supervisors: Dr M Balcerowicz, Dr C Simpson

Ambient temperature profoundly influences plant development from the onset of seed germination to flower and fruit production and thereby impacts crop quality and yield. Read more

31 January 2023 PhD Research Project Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)

MSc by Research: Signaling pathways controlling epidermal development in cereals

Plants living on land face brutal threats from pests, dehydration and temperature. To survive and thrive, land plants evolved a waxy ‘cuticle’ and distinctive epidermal cells such as gas pores and defensive barbs. Read more

Year round applications PhD Research Project Self-Funded PhD Students Only

MSc by Research: Jasmonate control of barley development

From the earliest farmers to modern plant breeders, humans have continually modified the body plan of cereals, sometimes drastically, to generate higher grain yields. Read more

Year round applications PhD Research Project Self-Funded PhD Students Only

MSc by Research: The Generation Gap – understanding tissue communication during grain development

Cereal grain provides more calories than any other source to our diet, making grain production vital to food security. We study grain development in barley, a globally important cereal, and a powerful genetic model system. Read more

Year round applications PhD Research Project Self-Funded PhD Students Only

MSc by Research: Regulation of Architecture in Barley

Plant architecture, or body plan, plays a key role in determining grain yield of crop plants. However, we have little understanding of the molecular genetic basis of architecture in the temperate cereals such as barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), especially in comparison to the warm weather crops such as rice (Oryza sativa). Read more

Year round applications PhD Research Project Self-Funded PhD Students Only

MSc by Research: Genetic interactions and novel genes that regulate lignin biosynthesis and straw quality in barley

Supervisor: Prof C Halpin

Lignin is a major component of plant cell walls, and has a significant influence on the digestibility and uses of plant biomass. The lignin biosynthesis pathway has been one of the most intensively studied  . Read more

Year round applications PhD Research Project Self-Funded PhD Students Only

University of the Highlands and Islands Scottish Association for Marine Science

Last chance to apply

Interactions between biology, environmental and anthropogenic factors on the exploitation of pelagic species by the Scottish fleet

Apply Here. This PhD will seek to demonstrate the importance of a holistic approach to better understand how fish stocks are exploited within the face of both a changing environment and due to the influence of economic and societal change and technological advance. Read more

Supervisors: Dr C Angus, Dr C Pert, Dr S Mackinson, Dr T Marshall

30 January 2023 PhD Research Project Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)

University of the Highlands and Islands Scottish Association for Marine Science

Last chance to apply

Optimising marine image capture and analysis from autonomous underwater vehicles (MICA)

Apply Here. This is an exciting and unique opportunity to join a team of researchers to combine acoustic and automated (artificial intelligence (AI)-based) image analysis to optimise seabed characterisation. This PhD combines cutting edge data collection and analysis. You will develop. Read more

Supervisors: Dr T Wilding, Dr J Halpin, Dr J Zabalza, Dr K Nogueira

30 January 2023 PhD Research Project Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)

University of the Highlands and Islands Scottish Association for Marine Science

Last chance to apply

Lighting up zooplankton - mapping marine light using robotics

Apply Here. Light plays a key role in the behaviour and life cycles of marine ecosystems, from determining the timing and magnitude of primary production, to enabling visual predation and therefore being directly linked to survival. Read more

Supervisors: Prof F Cottier, Dr D McKee, Dr L Hobbs, Dr P Anderson

30 January 2023 PhD Research Project Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)

University of the Highlands and Islands Scottish Association for Marine Science

Last chance to apply

Deep connections: How do changes in deep sea faunal communities relate to surface physics and biology?

Apply Here. Predicting the impact and effects of changes on life in the oceans is of growing concern to marine scientists. Read more

Supervisors: Prof B Narayanaswamy, Dr D McKee, Dr C Johnson, Dr D Johns

30 January 2023 PhD Research Project Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)

University of the Highlands and Islands Scottish Association for Marine Science

Last chance to apply

An environmental evaluation of deep-sea mine tailings placement (DSTP)

Apply Here. Deep-Sea Tailings Placement (DSTP) is the process whereby mining industries discharge processed mud- and rock-waste slurries (tailings) directly into the marine environment. Read more

Supervisors: Prof J Howe, Prof A Hursthouse, Dr L Vare

30 January 2023 PhD Research Project Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)

University of the Highlands and Islands Scottish Association for Marine Science

Last chance to apply

Multi-stressor impacts on coastal Antarctic and temperate sea urchins

Apply Here. Changing coastal seas. Coastal seas of the world are experiencing an unprecedented period of rapid change that is driven largely by human-induced alterations in climate and release of chemical contaminants into the environment. Read more

Supervisors: Dr H Reinardy, Dr K Last, Dr T Henry, Prof M Clark

30 January 2023 PhD Research Project Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)