Sustainable delivery of plant nutrients: Selective uptake controlled by wax phase behaviour

As global population rises there is a growing challenge in terms of plant healthcare to ensure that key crops do not fail, and that agricultural yields are high. To do this, agrochemicals are used to provide the nutrients for good crop health. To get the nutrients into the crop, the sprayed droplets of nutrients must move through a hydrophobic leaf wax barrier. This wax barrier is needed to retain water in the plant, but it creates an interesting scientific challenge as to how the agrochemicals can penetrate the barrier to deliver the nutrients whilst at the same time ensuring the leaf maintains a viable water content. Furthermore, to best utilise the agrochemicals, it is critical that they should only act on the crops and not promote the growth of undesired competitive species such as weeds. <br /> <br /> The Leeds group has a long-established track record in the processing and characterisation of crystalline and semi-crystalline long chain hydrocarbon and their associated formulations which has been underpinned by more than 40 years of strategic collaboration with Syngenta. The studentship builds upon previous work on leaf waxes in which the phase diagram of wax-representative mixed long chain alkane and alcohol systems have been inter-related to their molecular and crystallographic structures and to their behaviour with respect to water transpiration. This project seeks to extend this work into a comparative assessment of representative examples crop (maize) and weed (amaranthus) species.<br /> <br /> The PhD is in collaboration with Syngenta, a world leading agrochemical company, committed to improving plant heath, sustainability and helping feed the world. The studentship will be primarily based at the University of Leeds accessing expertise and specialised techniques but will work closely with researchers at Syngenta through regular visits and teleconferences. During this studentship there will be an opportunity to gain direct industrial experience via a 3–6-month placement at Syngenta’s Jealott’s Hill international research centre. <br /> <br /> We are seeking a candidate who is highly motivated, keen to develop their research knowledge in the areas of crystallization and colloids and surface science, and is passionate about global food supply. <br /> <br />

<p style="margin-bottom:11px">Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University’s website</a>. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study section that you are applying for<em><strong> EPSRC DTP Engineering & Physical Sciences</strong></em> (if you do not apply under this programme code, your application will not be considered), in the Research Area, the project you wish to apply for is <em><strong>Surfactant adsorption in dynamic environments: Application in agrochemical product formulation</strong></em> and that the funding you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award 2025/26: Chemical & Process Engineering.</strong></em></p> <p>Applications will be considered after the deadline.  Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before formally applying.  We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early should we receive a sufficient number of applications or a suitable candidate is appointed.</p> <p><strong>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of 28 February 2025:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project or a Research Proposal if applying with your own project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p style="margin-bottom:11px">A highly competitive EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award providing full academic fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant at the standard UKRI rate (£19,237 in academic session 2024/25) for 3.5 years.  Training and support will also be provided.</p> <p>This opportunity is open to all applicants.  All candidates will be placed into the EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award Competition and selection is based on academic merit.</p> <p><strong>Important:</strong> Please note that that the award does <em><strong>not</strong></em> cover the costs associated with moving to the UK.  All such costs (<a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/international-visas-immigration/doc/applying-student-visa">visa, Immigration Health Surcharge</a>, flights etc) would have to be met by yourself, or you will need to find an alternative funding source. </p> <p>Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p>

<p style="margin-bottom:11px">For further information about this Scholarship and your application, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a>.</p> <p>For information about this specific project, please email Assoc. Prof. David Harbottle by email to <a href="mailto:d.harbottle@leeds.ac.uk">d.harbottle@leeds.ac.uk</a>.</p>