Understanding and regulating pre-maturity alpha-amylase activity in wheat to maintain high Hagberg falling number through improved varieties.

Pre-maturity α-amylase (PMA) forms in wheat grain in cool summer weather and has serious economic consequences for the agricultural and food industries by reducing grain quality through low Hagberg falling number. A three year PhD studentship part-funded by the UK cereals industry (HGCA) is available to investigate the mechanism of PMA production and the potential for regulating it. The project involves collaboration between Harper Adams University College, Rothamsted Research, Queen’s University Belfast, Biogemma and RAGT Seeds Ltd.

For informal enquiries applicants may contact:
Dr Peter Kettlewell (pskettlewell@harper-adams.ac.uk).

Further information on Harper Adams University College and the above studentship can be found at:

http://www.harper-adams.ac.uk.

The successful applicant will normally be expected to hold either a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree in an appropriate subject.

The research student will be expected to acquire generic research skills (eg communication, data analysis) by registering for the Harper Adams Postgraduate Certificate in Research Skills (tuition fee included in the studentship).

The studentship is available on 21 September 2009 and includes tuition fees, consumables and conference allowance and a maintenance grant of £13,000 in Year 1, rising to £13,500 in Year 2 and then £14,000 in Year 3, dependent on satisfactory progress.

Applicants should send their Curriculum Vitae with the names and contact details of two referees, together with a covering letter indicating which Studentship(s) they are applying for, to Mrs V Slann, Postgraduate Research Administrator, Harper Adams University College, Newport, Shropshire, TF10 8NB (vslann@harper-adams.ac.uk).

Closing date: Thursday, 14th May 2009

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