PhD in Soil-saving, Carbon-catching Perennial Grains for Regenerative Agriculture (CIC-START 26A)

This fully funded PhD project at Harper Adams University, in partnership with Diageo and the University of Nottingham, focuses on developing new perennial grain crops to advance regenerative agriculture in the UK. The research aims to optimize perennial cereals that grow in the same field for multiple years, reducing soil disturbance and enhancing soil carbon sequestration. These crops promise improved soil health, structure, biodiversity, and resilience to environmental stresses such as drought and waterlogging. As part of the CIC-START industrial doctoral training programme, the student will work closely with academic and industry experts, including Dr. Ed Dickin and Professor Jim Monaghan at Harper Adams University, and Prof. David Cook at the University of Nottingham. The project is based at the Centre for Crop and Environmental Science, with additional training and micro-malting research at the International Centre for Brewing Science, University of Nottingham. Key objectives include quantifying the benefits of perennial cereals (soil carbon, structure, biodiversity), investigating agronomic practices (seed rates, sowing dates, nitrogen timing), integrating perennial cereals into sustainable cropping systems (undersowing, intercropping, grazing), and testing grain quality for alcohol production. The student will assemble and test a range of perennials for UK suitability, assess yield and regrowth, and evaluate soil health parameters compared to annual cereals. The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary team with expertise in soil science, crop physiology, and agronomy, and participate in a wider CIC-START training programme with strong academic and industry engagement. The programme includes an industrial placement, specialist training in crop and soil science techniques, and statistical analysis. The project is fully funded by BBSRC/UKRI, covering a stipend (£21,805), tuition fees, and a research budget. Applications are open to both UK and overseas candidates, with a cap on international recruitment (30% as per UKRI Terms and Conditions). Applicants should have a relevant degree in agriculture, plant biology, environmental science, or a related field. Experience in crop science, soil science, or agronomy is desirable. The application deadline is April 3, 2026. For more information and to apply, visit the project page.