Summer Student Placement: Phytochemical screening of aphid resistance in wheat

We have an opportunity for an eight-week summer placement at Rothamsted Research (Harpenden, Herts), funded through the Royal Society of Chemistry - Analytical Chemistry Trust Fund Summer Studentship Scheme. This placement is ideal for undergraduate students studying biology/chemistry-related degrees with an interest in Chemical Ecology / Entomology.

The student will collect and analyse secondary metabolites from wheat plants that are known to be resistant to aphid pests (Rhopalosiphum padi, Sitobion avenae), with the aim of developing aphid pest management strategies based on host resistance. They will be based in the Chemical Ecology group/Wheat Pathogenomics group within the Protecting Crops and the Environment strategic area at Rothamsted Research, and trained in the following methods: 

• Analytical Chemistry – plant secondary metabolite collection methods, high performance liquid chromatography / coupled HPLC -MS 
• Entomology – handling of insects
• Experimental design and statistical analysis

The placement will take place over the summer of 2024, June-July, for students in the middle years of their first degree (i.e., 2/3, 3/4). Students must be registered at a UK HEI for most of their undergraduate degree. Stipend: £400 per week.

To apply, please send a one-page cover letter and CV to Dr John Caulfield (john.caulfield@rothamsted.ac.uk). The deadline for applications is 23:59, Friday, May 3rd 2024.