Kate Kemsley

[Fully-funded ARIES studentship covering tuition fees, maintenance stipend (£20,780 p.a. for 2025/26), and a research training and support grant (RTSG). International applicants may have the difference between 'home' and 'international' fees waived. Does not cover relocation, visa, or health surcharge costs.] PhD Studentship: From Soil to Signature: Chemical Markers of Deforestation in Global Food Supply Chains (CASE project with Fera Science) The University of East Anglia invites applications for a fully-funded PhD studentship investigating the chemical and isotopic markers of deforestation in global food supply chains. This interdisciplinary project, led by Professor Kate Kemsley, addresses the urgent environmental challenge of deforestation, which threatens biodiversity and accelerates climate change. The research is closely aligned with the new EU Deforestation Regulations, focusing on Forest Risk Commodities (FRCs) such as soy, palm oil, and coffee. Project Overview: The project aims to develop and apply advanced analytical methodologies to detect and identify chemical and isotopic signatures in FRCs that are indicative of land-use changes, such as forest clearing and burning. These markers can help verify the origins of commodities and support the development of deforestation-free supply chains. The research will involve both laboratory and computational approaches, including stable isotope analysis, high-throughput spectroscopy, and data science techniques such as multivariate analysis, machine learning, and AI. Training and Collaboration: The successful candidate will receive comprehensive training in instrumental and computational methods, working within the UEA Science Analytical Facilities. The project includes two 3-month secondments at Fera Science in York, providing access to additional instrumentation and expertise in food authenticity. Collaboration with World Forest ID and other stakeholders will offer further opportunities for networking and professional development. Eligibility: Applicants should hold at least a UK equivalent Bachelors (Honours) degree at 2:1 level in Chemistry, Earth/Environmental Sciences, Natural Sciences, Artificial Intelligence, or a related field. A strong numerate background and experience in chemical or environmental analysis are essential, with prior experience in mathematical or statistical programming highly desirable. English language proficiency at IELTS 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in each category) is required. Funding: The ARIES studentship provides full funding for eligible candidates, including tuition fees, a maintenance stipend (£20,780 p.a. for 2025/26), and a research training and support grant (RTSG). International applicants may have the difference between 'home' and 'international' fees waived, but relocation, visa, and health surcharge costs are not covered. Application Process: Applications should be submitted online via the University of East Anglia postgraduate research portal by 7 January 2025. Prospective candidates are encouraged to contact Professor Kate Kemsley for informal enquiries about the project. This studentship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research at the intersection of environmental science, chemistry, and data science, with real-world impact on sustainable food supply chains and deforestation mitigation.

[Fully-funded studentship covering fees, maintenance stipend (£20,780 p.a. for 2025/26), and research training and support grant (RTSG). International applicants may have the difference between 'home' and 'international' fees waived. ARIES funding does not cover relocation, visa, or health surcharge costs.] This PhD studentship at the University of East Anglia offers an exciting opportunity to investigate chemical and isotopic markers of deforestation in global food supply chains, as part of a CASE project with Fera Science. The research addresses the urgent issue of deforestation, which threatens biodiversity and accelerates climate change by removing vital carbon sinks. With the introduction of new EU Deforestation Regulations, there is a growing need to verify the origins of Forest Risk Commodities (FRCs) such as soy, palm oil, and coffee, ensuring supply chains are deforestation-free. The project will employ advanced analytical methodologies to detect and identify chemical and isotopic signatures linked to land-use changes, such as forest clearing and burning. You will receive comprehensive training in instrumental techniques, including stable isotope analysis using specialised equipment at the UEA Science Analytical Facilities, and high-throughput spectroscopic methods suitable for large-scale sample screening and field deployment. The research also integrates data science approaches, including multivariate analysis, machine learning, and AI, to interpret complex datasets and extract meaningful patterns related to geographic origin and land-use history. As a PhD student, you will join a vibrant, interdisciplinary research community, benefiting from supervision across the Schools of Chemistry, Pharmacy & Pharmacology, and Environmental Sciences. The project includes two 3-month secondments to Fera Science in York, where you will access complementary instrumentation and expertise within the Food Authenticity team. Collaboration with World Forest ID and other non-academic stakeholders will further enhance your networking and research experience. Eligibility requirements include a UK equivalent Bachelors (Honours) 2:1 degree in Chemistry, Earth/Environmental Sciences, Natural Sciences, Artificial Intelligence, or a related subject, with a strong numerate background and skills in chemical or environmental analysis. Experience in mathematical or statistical programming is highly desirable. English language proficiency is required (IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category). The studentship is fully funded for eligible candidates, covering tuition fees, a maintenance stipend (£20,780 p.a. for 2025/26), and a research training and support grant (RTSG). International applicants may have the difference between 'home' and 'international' fees waived, but ARIES funding does not cover relocation, visa, or health surcharge costs. Applications are open until 7 January 2027, with the programme starting on 1 October 2026. For further details and to apply, visit the University of East Anglia postgraduate research application portal. Informal enquiries are welcomed by the primary supervisor, Professor Kate Kemsley.

[Fully-funded studentship covering fees, maintenance stipend (£20,780 p.a. for 2025/26), and research training and support grant (RTSG). International applicants may have the difference between 'home' and 'international' fees waived. ARIES funding does not cover relocation, visa, or health surcharge costs.] This PhD studentship at the University of East Anglia investigates the chemical and isotopic markers of deforestation in global food supply chains, with a particular focus on Forest Risk Commodities (FRCs) such as soy, palm oil, and coffee. The project responds to the urgent need for scientific methods to verify the origins of FRCs and support deforestation-free supply chains, in light of new EU Deforestation Regulations. The research will employ advanced analytical methodologies, including stable isotope analysis and high-throughput spectroscopic techniques, to detect and identify trace chemical signatures left by land-use changes such as forest clearing and burning. Training will be provided in instrumental analysis using the UEA Science Analytical Facilities, as well as in data science approaches like multivariate analysis, machine learning, and AI for interpreting complex datasets. The student will benefit from interdisciplinary supervision across the Schools of Chemistry, Pharmacy & Pharmacology, and Environmental Sciences, gaining experience in both laboratory and computational research. Two three-month secondments at Fera Science in York will provide access to industry expertise and instrumentation within the Food Authenticity team. The project also offers opportunities for networking with collaborative partners such as World Forest ID and other stakeholders. Applicants should have a strong background in chemical or environmental analysis, numeracy, and ideally experience in statistical or mathematical programming. Entry requirements include a UK equivalent Bachelors (Honours) 2:1 degree in a relevant subject and English language proficiency (IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category). The studentship is fully funded for eligible UK and international candidates, covering tuition fees, a maintenance stipend (£20,780 p.a. for 2025/26), and a research training and support grant. International students may have the fee difference waived, but relocation, visa, and health surcharge costs are not covered. The position starts on 1 October 2026, and applications are open until 7 January 2025. For more information and to apply, visit the UEA postgraduate research application portal.