June Newsletter

Events

NIAB Innovation Farm:
Key Challenge event – Growing whatever the weather 26 Jun
Investigating the impact of unpredictable weather events and warming climate on water availability – floods and drought – and pests and diseases in crop plants.
Key Challenge event – Bio-fortification and dietary choice 2 Jul
The role of plant genetic innovation in providing a varied diet and improving nutrition including enhanced health benefits and improved flavours. Can targeted probiotic crops really make a difference to the health of the nation?
Further information

JIC: Speed dating with scientists 10 Jul, 18:30
Open to the Public
Further information

News

JIC: Plants do sums to get through the night New research shows that to prevent starvation at night, plants perform accurate arithmetic division. The calculation allows them to use up their starch reserves at a constant rate so that they run out almost precisely at dawn.

Further information

RRes: Rt. Hon. Owen Paterson backs a science and evidence-led discussion on GM
The Rt Hon. Owen Paterson, Secretary of State for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs chose Rothamsted Research in Hertfordshire to deliver a major speech on 20 June on the future of GM crops and biotechnology in agriculture.
Further information

Plant breeder KWS is launching its new potato business to UK merchants, trade and growers. The move follows the establishment of KWS Potato BV at Emmeloord in the Netherlands a year ago last April.
Further information

BBSRC is major partner in new €15M Europe-wide synthetic biology funding
BBSRC is contributing €3M as a major partner in a new Europe-wide call for research projects in Synthetic Biology, the first from the Synthetic Biology ERA-NET (ERASynBio).
Further information

Red oilseed rape signals STOP! to pollen beetle infestation Rothamsted Research scientists have shown that a change in the petal colour of oilseed rape from yellow to red can result in a significant reduction on the pollen beetle infestation.
Further information

Unkempt land could benefit farmers
Parts of the farm landscape that are overgrown are more important in supporting wildlife than they first appear, according to new research published in Ecology Letters.
Further information

Dr Tim Brears has been appointed chairman of the Institute of Food Research. Dr Brears is chief executive of Xention Limited, a venture-capital-funded biopharmaceutical company.
Further information

Jobs and Studentships

Department of Plant Sciences
Research Group Leader, Sainsbury Laboratory, Cambridge University
Further information

JIC
Research Assistant £22,500 - £23,800 16 Jul
Research Assistant £28,100 - £31,300 2 Jul & 7Jul
Further information

KWS
Application For Temporary Employment 2013 Currently recruiting for September 2013 only
Further information

RAGT Seeds Ltd
Cereal Geneticist 9 Jul
Liaison with breeders and genotyping team to identify opportunities and solutions for genome-enhanced cereal breeding
Genetic mapping and analysis including QTL, AG, GS approaches
Liaison with internal and external bioinformatics and research groups
Interviews will be held on: Wed 17 July 2013 Telephone: 01799 533707 Email: nmatthews@ragt.fr
Further information

RRes
Post-Doctoral Research Scientist 20 Jul
The post holder will contribute to the concluding phase of a running project entitled "Impact and mitigation of emergent diseases on major UK insect pollinators" which is part of the Insect Pollinator Initiative (funding administered by BBSRC) and is collaborative with five leading laboratories.
Research Assistant 10 Jul Research Technician 7 Jul
Further information

NIAB Innovation Farm
The Colour of Fashion - Specialist Consultancy Opportunity 5 Jul
Consultant required to deliver 'The Colour of Fashion - NIAB Innovation Farm workshop on dye processes and practice for fashion SMEs'
NIAB Innovation Farm are looking for experienced consultants to develop and deliver a full day workshop and a series of one-to-one sessions for fashion SMEs. The workshop will explore the environmental impacts of synthetic dyes and industrial dye processes and offer a practical introduction to natural alternatives and artisan dyeing techniques. The workshop will also offer an introduction to a range of plants from which dyes can be derived. The following areas should be covered and content must be relevant to the needs and capacity of micro businesses.
Further information

Limagrain
Wheat Trials Officer 10 Jul
Activities include the preparation, drilling, field assessment, harvest, sampling and quality assessment of potential new wheat varieties.
Further information

Vinovva (Sweden) Mobility for Growth
The Mobility for Growth programme targets experienced researchers who have a doctorate or at least four years’ full-time equivalent research experience and who are interested in mobility as a career development option.
The programme duration is from 2012 to at least 2017 and there is currently an overall budget of EUR 35 million, of which EUR 10 million is co-funding from Marie Curie Actions (European Commission).
Further information

Funding

BBSRC
Tree Health and Plant Biosecurity Initiative - phase 2
A Living with Environmental Change (LWEC) initiative 2 Jul
This initiative will provide a commitment of up to £9M over the next few years to support strategic research in this area under the auspices of the Living With Environmental Change Partnership.
Further information

TSB
Nutrition for life - providing safe and healthy foods 3 Jul
The aim of this competition is to encourage innovative technologies and processes, to ensure that what we eat and drink can be made as safe and healthy as possible. Projects must be business-led and collaborative.
Further information

Vacancy at RAGT

CEREAL GENETICIST

RAGT is a leading European plant breeder committed to developing its research and commercial position in Europe and has programme in wheat, durum, triticale, maize, sunflower, soya and grasses.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, innovative, self-motivated and practical person to join RAGT to provide quantitative genetic support for our European wheat breeding programmes.  Reporting to the Molecular Breeding Lead, you will be based in Ickleton near Cambridge.

The main responsibilities of the position will be: 

• Liaison with breeders and genotyping team to identify opportunities and solution for genome-enhanced cereal breeding
• Genetic mapping and analysis including QTL, AG, GS approaches
• Liaison with internal and external bioinformatics and research groups

Candidates will have a degree in genetics or related discipline, ideally with post graduate quantitative genetics qualification and/or experience.  Good communication, planning and organisational skills are essential.

To apply, please send a CV and covering letter to:

Natasha Matthews, H.R Manager,

R.A.G.T Seeds Limited, Grange Road, Ickleton, Essex, CB10 1TA

Telephone:  01799 533707            Email: nmatthews@ragt.fr

Closing date for applications:    Tuesday 9th July 2013

Interviews will be held on:         Wednesday 17^th July 2013

Link to vacancy on website:

http://www.ragtsemences.com/rs/sitefiliale/index.php?num_menu=3&ancre=job

May newsletter

EVENTS NIAB Innovation Farm Masterclasses for SMEs  Financial management for early-stage businesses, 5 June Learn basic principles with a particular emphasis on cash flow, understanding financial statements, account systems, tax and filing returns. Growing your business through effective marketing and communications - Intermediate, 10  June Securing suitable funding, 18 June This practical and interactive course will help you understand the pros and cons of different kinds of finance, understand how to identify sources of finance, and secure funds by submitting compelling applications for funding. Key Challenge event – Growing whatever the weather, 26 June Investigating the impact of unpredictable weather events and warming climate on water availability – floods and drought – and pests and diseases in crop plants. Further information (including July and August Masterclass dates) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Society of Chemical Industry:  SCI Young Researchers in Agrisciences 2013, 2 July University of Reading, Whiteknights Campus, Reading Crop Production, Protection, Utilisation This event is for early career scientists working in biological, chemical, environmental and other relevant sciences and all interested in learning about progress and meeting new talent in agrisciences. CPPS Members are eligible for a discount. Early Bird Fees before 2 June: £29 SCI/CPPS Members Standard Fees after 2 June: £45 SCI/CPPS Members Further information or www.soci.org/events -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ADAS Boxworth Open Day: 5 June, 12-4pm Battlegate Road, Boxworth, CB23 4NN Meet the experts and find out about: • Weed management options for wheat & OSR • Benefits of cover crops for black-grass control • Herbicide resistance: grasses and broad-leaved weeds • Disease control in wheat and oilseed rape • Control of weeds, pests & diseases for horticulture • Repairing damaged soils • Managing thin/backward crops • The Yield Enhancement Network – competing to increase yields Further information -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- JIC EMBO Practical Course: ‘Multi-level Modelling of Morphogenesis’ 14-26 July Main Course Objective: Understanding the multi-level nature and feedbacks involved in biological development requires an integrated, systems biology approach. Target Audience: This practical course is aimed at experimental biologists with an interest to understand and explore how the complexity of biological systems can be dealt with within a mathematical or computational framework, *and* at computationally and mathematically oriented students interested in learning leading-edge computational techniques that can be applied to gain insights in developmental biology. Please register online at: https://www.conference-service.com/pc13-45/welcome.cgi Deadline for registrations: 31 May Further information -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Short Course – Water Security for Policy Makers and Practitioners, 10-14 June, UEA, Norwich, UK The course is designed for entry and mid-level water and development policy-makers and professionals in government, donor, NGO or implementing agencies, environmental journalists, consultants and activists wishing to take their knowledge of water resources further. For further information and to apply please follow the link below  or contact Sarah Gore on devco.train@uea.ac.uk. Cost: £1500 including all tuition and B&B accommodation from Sunday 9 June. Further information -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CUEN Annual Energy Conference on SMART CITIES AND SMART ENERGY 18 June Centre for Mathematical Sciences, University of Cambridge Throughout the day, distinguished speakers will address the challenges and potentials regarding our future electricity and energy system and will engage in discussions with the audience. In four sessions the conference will focus on smart cities, urban planning, smart materials, energy storage and smart grids. The event is also intended for people with a general interest in energy, opening up a discussion between different points of view on the topics of smart cities and smart energy. Register through EventBrite - All Welcome Further information  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Organic Research Centre Wakelyns Agroforestry Open Day 26 June Agro-ecology: Science and Practice for Sustainable Farming Metfield Lane, Fressingield, Eye, Suffolk, IP21 5SD Experts will offer challenging views on the use of energy in society and agriculture, showing how the application of agro-ecology to crop production can improve energy balances while maintaining biodiversity in agricultural systems, Cost: £30 + VAT per person including lunch and refreshments Further information --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NEWS BBSRC survey: views on research areas and technological developments for the next 5-10 years Please provide your thoughts by taking part in the short survey by 3 June Survey: The next big things in bioscience As part of its long-term strategic planning, BBSRC is seeking your views on the research areas and technological developments which will be most exciting and important in bioscience over the next 5-10 years. Ideas put forward through this exercise will be discussed by members of BBSRC's governing Council and wider strategic advisory network as part of a workshop to be held at the beginning of June 2013. Outcomes will help inform BBSRC's long-term planning, including input to future Government Spending Reviews. Anyone is welcome to respond, but BBSRC is particularly keen to gather input from PhD students and post-doctoral researchers. Further information -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- National Farm Pollinator Survey Scientist Volunteers needed to help farm visitors become citizen scientists! Open Farm Sunday 9 June Can you help? Volunteer scientists are needed to help with the pollinator survey on selected farms on this years’ Open Farm Sunday. The main focus will be to: 1.     Conduct a survey in the morning and in the afternoon – as a scientific dataset 2.     Raise awareness of the Pollinator Survey at the event and encourage visitors to take part 3.     Act as an on-site expert in order to smooth the way and inspire a new generation of scientists  The aim is for the public to spot and record on a survey form the pollinators that visit flowers on a farm. By taking part in the Pollinator Survey the visitors will learn about the vital role insects can play in pollination and many of the foods they enjoy every day.  The large-scale dataset will provide a unique resource for exploring relationships between insect abundance and land use and demonstrates the value of flowering field margins and other non-crop habitats on farms. For further information and to offer your help and support, please contact: Candace Robb or Annabel Shackleton Email:  openfarmsunday@leafuk.org Tel:  024 7641 3911 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BBSRC Join the bioenergy discussion  BBSRC has launched a new toolkit to encourage researchers and the general public to engage in a national conversation about bioenergy. The Bioenergy Dialogue Toolkit provides a range of resources including a 'Democs' bioenergy game, potential future scenarios, and guidelines to help people plan and run dialogue events this summer. An event will be run in Cambridge on 8 June 2013, 2pm-4pm - (venue to be confirmed, more information will be sent shortly) Further information --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

JOBS and Studentships Department of Plant Sciences Research Group Leader, Sainsbury Laboratory, Cambridge University Further information --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NIAB Trials Officer 4 Month Vacancy, 31 May Further information ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- JIC Post Doctroral Researcher, 10 June Metabolic Biology: Towards the synthetic terpenome - Making new metabolic pathways using synthetic biology approaches Further information --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- KWS KWS are recruiting for summer vacation work placements (Harvest and Production Assistants) Further information --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RRes Enterprise Campus Project Director, 28 May Further information ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- UEA Applications are now open for 2013/14: MSc Water Security and International Development at the University of East Anglia The degree is the flagship of the UEA Water Security Research Centre. The 12-month MSc prepares students for employment opportunities with non-governmental organisations, government aid agencies, and multilateral organisations. Please apply online, or for queries and informal discussion, contact Mark Zeitoun at M.Zeitoun@uea.ac.uk or tel: +44 (0)1603 593232. Further information ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FUNDING The Technology Strategy Board's (TSB) £8.5 million Nutrition for Life competition is now open. This competition will fund R&D projects which stimulate innovation in the food and drink sector with an emphasis on providing healthy and safe foods. Competition Scope: The call includes both Feasibility and Collaborative R&D projects within the following scope; * Integrating technologies to assist nutrient absorption * Nutrient regulation and delivery * Novel and healthier foods * Safety, authenticity and traceability * Production and Processing of food/nutrients To find more about the scope of the competition, view this video from Nick Bassett (Lead Technologist, Technology Strategy Board) Register for the competition: Providing Safe and Healthy Foods Nutrition for Life Feasibility Studies (£50k-100k, 6 - 12 month projects) Nutrition for Life Collaborative R&D (£250k to £1m, 1 - 3 year projects)  Further information -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BBSRC calls: Modular Training Partnerships Application deadline: 11 July --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

News update May 2013

Events

·         EPSO Fascination of Plants Day 18 May – Festival of Plants at the Botanic Garden, Cambridge – Please advertise widely!

·         ADAS Boxworth Open Day (5 June)

·         British Section of the Combustion Institute and the Institute of Physics, Cambridge - One day Conference on “Biomass fuelled power generation with CO₂ capture” (Registration / Programme). For any additional information or queries please contact the Support Manager, Ms. Kaysha Banton (kbanton@cmclinnovations.com) (24 May).

Jobs & Studentships

·         BSPB, Ely – Technical Officer

·         Bayer CropScience, Gent - Scientist in Wheat Genetics,

·         Cranfield University - Plant Molecular Genetics Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Vacancy at NIAB

GLASSHOUSE RESEARCH ASSISTANT

(Fixed term, 1 year maternity cover)

Applications are invited for the post of Glasshouse Research Assistant in NIAB’s Genetics and Breeding Team, based in Cambridge. NIAB is an independent plant science organisation with a research focus on crop improvement.

This post provides technical support for all aspects of genetics research in the glasshouse and will also involve some lab-based activities.

You will need to be very well organised and able to manage workload peaks. Some experience of working in a glasshouse and laboratory environment and knowledge of plant genetics would be an advantage, but is not essential as full training will be provided. The role requires computer literacy, meticulous record keeping and a full driving licence or access to independent means of transport.

This is a fixed term post of 1 year to provide maternity cover. Starting salary in the range £14,500-£15,500 dependent on skills and experience. Company benefits include Group Income Protection, Stakeholder pension, generous holidays and free car parking. Further details and an application form are available on our website: www.niab.com or from the HR Office, Huntingdon Road, Cambridge CB3 0LE, Tel: 01223 342282, Email: jobs@niab.com, quoting Ref: T/262. Closing date for applications: 1 May 2013.

Events and Jobs: Jan 2013

Partner Events

· Cambridge led Public Debates on Global Food Security:
Smallholder Farming and the Future of Food Monday, January 28, 2013, 7 pm; Kings Place, London.
Further details

· CPPS Seminar:
Interactions between plants and soils in the carbon cycle; Thursday, 14 February 2013, 16:00-17:00; followed by networking over wine & nibbles at the Department of Plant Sciences.
Further details

· NIAB TAG OUTLOOK CONFERENCE
Tuesday, 12 February, 10.00am-3.30pm; Scotch Corner Holiday Inn Hotel, North Yorkshire.
Further details

Jobs

· ADAS
Senior Research Technician (Friday, 8 February); Senior Machinery Research Technician (Friday, 8 February); Ecotoxicologist / Assistant Ecotoxicologist (Tuesday, 29 January); Seasonal Ecology Consultants (Monday, 28 January).
Further details

· JIC
Postdoctoral Researcher (Thursday, 31 January).
Further details

· NIAB Innovation Farm
Research and SME Liaison Officer (Thursday, 31 January).
Further details

· RAGT Seeds Ltd
Plant Breeder, start date to be confirmed, permanent position; Plant Pathology and Projects Manager (Maternity Cover), start date: early March, duration: 1 year.
For further information please contact Natasha Matthews, HR Manager: nmatthews@ragt.fr

· RRes
Research Assistant (Friday, 15 February); Research Scientist in Soil Science (Friday, 15 February); Post-Doctoral & Post-Graduate Biochemist Biochemist (Friday, 25 January); Bioinformatics Scientist (Monday, 28 January); Communications Officer (Thursday, 24 January).
Further details

· Syngenta
Trialing Territory Data Support. £25,000 to £29,000 p.a. depending on experience. Fulbourn, Cambridgeshire
Syngenta are constantly looking for new and better ways to help generate high yielding crops for a growing global population. It’s essential work – and your knowledge of field trials processes will help do it better than ever before. You’ll play a major part in maintaining excellence in the capture, management and analysis of data relating to the field trials of Syngenta's innovative crop protection and seed products. Key tasks will include ensuring efficient use of Field Information Systems and Knowledge Sharing tools, arranging contract and secrecy agreements with contract research organisations and managing the financial processes for field trials within the North Europe territory. Your aim? To maximise value and minimise costs in the constant drive to improve today’s technologies and develop those of tomorrow.
To measure up, the ideal candidate would have:
• A degree in a biological or agricultural related subject
• An understanding of the needs of field trials staff and technical project managers
• Experience in field trial planning and data management would be advantageous although full training will be provided
• Excellent communication skills
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and field trials software
For more information about the company please go to www.syngenta.com.

· Teagasc
Postdoctoral position in computational and quantitative genetics of plants (Sunday, 24 February).
The vacancy is for 2 years. Interested applicants should send a CV with the contact information of 3 references and a motivation letter to susanne.barth@teagasc.ie.
Further details

· The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Interpretation Manager (Tuesday, 5 February, Noon).
Further details

· AlgaeCytes Limited
Focuses on developing and commercialising algae derived bioactive ingredients. The company is in the process of developing scalable demonstration units for the production of high value chemicals such as omega 3 oils from algae. Opportunities exist for a number of laboratory based junior and senior scientists experienced in growing, harvesting and extracting products from algae. The company is also looking for bioprocess engineers for the management and running of photobioreactors. Contact: nazbashir@algaecytes.com for further details.

· Cambridge Science Centre:
Science Communication (Friday, 8 January).
Further details

Vacancies for January

IT Sligo: Postdoctoral Researcher Ecologist

Following success in the 2011 research call from the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, an opportunity exists for a postdoctoral researcher to join the applied ecology research team at IT Sligo. This is part of a larger project with our project partners Teagasc: Identifying the Distribution and Extent of Agricultural Land of High Nature Value (IDEAL-HNV). The appointee will conduct research in the area of High Nature Value Farmland, with particular emphasis on ground truthing of remote sensing data; development of farm and field-scale decision support tools; socio-economic and policy analysis; and dissemination activities.
Closing date for applications is 17 January 2013.

Full details and access to the online application form.

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NIAB Innovation Farm: Research & SME Liaison Officer

Closing date: 31/01/2013. More information.

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Teagasc: Pre-Call announcement: Environmental Remote sensing job in Ireland

In January 2013 Teagasc (the Irish Agricultural research body) will be looking to fill a contract research post in the area of Environmental Remote Sensing. This 2.3 year contract will be based in Dublin and will form part of larger study (IdealHNV, funded by DAFM through the RSF) looking at the distribution of High Nature Value farmland habitats in Ireland.

The successful applicant will come from a strong remote sensing of the environment/agriculture background and will be qualified to PhD level. This Post doc level position will offer excellent opportunities to develop skills in researching the environment through remote sensing. The position will involve developing new assessment approaches at farm scale using high resolution optical data and hyper temporal data sets such as MODIS, it will also require liaising with partners and some field work. A formal advertisement with submission dates will be posted on the usual fora and recruitment sites early in the new year. In the meantime please alert colleagues of this opportunity.

Vacancy at NIAB

Research & SME liaison officer at NIAB

Closing date: 31/01/2013

Job details

NIAB Innovation Farm is a high profile project, with funding from ERDF and UK industry. The postholder will interact with UK Researchers and Innovators and identify and interact with small and medium sized companies based in the East of England to promote knowledge exchange, research collaboration and business growth. You will contribute to the achievement of ERDF targets and help develop the remit of Innovation Farm. You must be a self–starter, capable of working independently, with good interpersonal and communication skills and a flexible approach to work.

You should hold a first degree in a relevant subject with post-graduate experience/qualification in plant or crop sciences. A full driving licence or access to independent means of transport is essential.

Starting salary in the range £22,000-£28,000, dependent on skills, experience and qualifications. Company benefits include Group Income Protection, Stakeholder pension, generous holidays and free car parking. Initially, this will be a fixed term contract until 31 March 2015.

More information

Funding & Jobs: November

Funding Opportunities

BBSRC: International Scientific Interchange Scheme (ISIS)

The aim of this award is to help scientists add an international dimension to their BBSRC funded research by making and establishing new contacts with international counterparts
Funding is available for: Short Term Travel Award; Long Term Travel Award and Access Award.
Funding is limited to travel and subsistence costs only, and does not usually exceed ~£5k.
Deadline: apply at any time but at least 6 weeks before travel
Further information

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Biosciences KTN - SPARK Awards

Do you have a bright idea for a new collaborative project?
Are you part of an small or medium sized enterprise (SME) or University/Research Institute?
If so then our SPARK Award funding competition could be perfect for you. Up to 10 SPARK Awards are up for grabs as a means to encourage new collaborations between the research community and industry.
How it works
• The grants, which are of a fixed value of £5,000 (plus any applicable VAT), are awarded to the research partner to tackle a problem relevant to the SME.
• Projects must be in one of the four market sectors addressed by the Biosciences KTN, namely Domestic Animal Bioscience, Food Technology and Manufacture, Industrial Bioscience, and Plants & Crops.
• The scheme is designed to provide quick approval with minimal bureaucracy.
For more information and to download the application form, please go to the SPARK Awards group
Deadline: Midnight 14 December
If you would like assistance finding a collaboration partner or would like to discuss the SPARK Awards in more detail please contact the KTN office on 0131 651 7332 or email info@biosciencektn.com.

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Partner Jobs

British Society for Plant Breeders: Trials Coordinator, Variety evaluation - Ely
The British Society of Plant Breeders (BSPB) is the national association for the UK’s agricultural plant breeding industry.
An exciting opportunity exists for an enthusiastic and committed individual to join the Society as the Variety Trials Coordinator who will organise and administer BSPB’s programme of trials and provide technical support to BSPB crop groups on issues relating to variety evaluation.
Understanding of, or experience in, crop variety trials and/or a degree in agriculture or related subject would be an advantage but are not essential if you have enthusiasm and an aptitude for learning.
Apply with CV and covering letter explaining your suitability to: BSPB Ltd, Woolpack Chambers, Market Street, Ely, Cambs CB7 4ND or by e-mail to enquiries@bspb.co.uk by 14 December.
For further information call 01353 653200.

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KWS: Openings at the KWS Breeders Academy
KWS are currently accepting applications for immediate openings at the KWS Breeders Academy. The Breeders Academy is an entry level professional development programme in KWS’ plant breeding department specifically geared towards professionals.
If you are interested in taking part in the KWS Breeders Academy, please send your application to: applications@kws.com.
Further information

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Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge: Teaching Associate
Closing date: 17 December
Further information

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Internships

KWS: Now accepting applications for summer placements
Further information

JIC: Undergraduate and postgraduate opportunities available
Further information

Syngenta: Graduate opportunities in Germany, Switzerland and Spain
Further information

News & Jobs: October

General News

Shaping a UK agri-tech strategy: call for evidence

This call for evidence invites you to submit views and information that will help shape a Government strategy to promote UK economic growth and international development by making best use of the science and technologies relevant to agriculture.
To respond to the survey visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/agri-tech-strategy-call-for-evidence-Oct-2012
Closing date: 22 Nov 2012

BIA organised UK Bioscience Forum

The report on the BIA organised UK Bioscience Forum (held on 4th Oct) including discussions on Accessing the innovation in academia, Drugs and diagnostic and The Future of Pharma has been released on Storify.
View report

Partner Jobs

University of Cambridge, Department of Plant Sciences

Research Associate and Chief Technician vacancies at the Department of Plant Sciences.
Research Group Leader, Sainsbury Laboratory, Cambridge University
Further information

Exciting Group Leader Vacancies at the John Innes Centre

The John Innes Centre is looking to recruit Group Leaders focused on plant or microbial systems who will complement their ongoing science and run internationally excellent and innovative research programmes.
In particular, they are seeking to recruit individuals to join their efforts focused on plant response to the environment and cell and developmental biology as well as in the field of molecular microbiology, especially in the Streptomyces area in which JIC has long maintained a world-leading position. Full details on these roles and how to apply can be found on the JIC current vacancies page.
Further information

International vacancies at Syngenta

Further information

Internships

John Innes Centre International Undergraduate Summer Research Training Programme 2013

This programme is open for undegraduates from any scientific discipline who wish to gain research experience in plant and microbial sciences.
Closing date for applications: 8th February 2013.
Further information

KWS UK Summer Work Placements

Applications are accepted now for a number of Harvest Assistant posts available from June until November 2013. There are also positions within the Seed Plant.
Short-term work may may be available for SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER.
Further information

Funding & Jobs July

Funding

Seventh Framework Programme for Research (FP7): 2013 Calls for Proposals

As part of a €10.8 billion budget for research and innovation, the European Commission has announced a €8.1 billion package of calls for proposals for 2013 under the EU’s Seventh Framework Programme for Research (FP7). This is the final and largest ever package of FP7 calls and includes 52 calls for proposals covering the Cooperation, Ideas (ERC), People (Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions) and Capacities pillars.
The majority of the funding (€4.8 billion) will continue to be invested in FP7’s thematic areas: health; food, agriculture and fisheries; biotechnology; information and communications technologies; nano-sciences, nanotechnologies, materials and new production technologies; energy; environment; transport; socio-economic sciences and the humanities; space; and security.
For 2013 there will also be nine cross-cutting thematic priorities, relevant to CPPS are:

• Oceans of the Future: supporting sustainable growth in marine and maritime sectors.
• Water: supporting innovative solutions for managing fresh water resources.
• Raw materials: maintaining a sustainable supply of raw materials for the EU.
• Secure, clean and efficient energy: to develop new green energy technologies and decrease dependency on energy imports.
• Bioresource efficiency: promoting efficiency in the processing of biological resources, ensuring a safe and plentiful food supply and supporting sustainable primary production from land, forests and oceans, while reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions.

FP7 funding will also continue to attract world-class researchers to Europe through individual grants from the European Research Council and Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions for research training and mobility, as well as funding capacity-building, nuclear energy research, joint programmes between member states and collaboration with industry (including €1.2 billion to encourage small and medium-sized enterprises to participate).
Further information on the 2013 calls and themes.
Browse current calls and download application materials

Capturing cropland and grassland management impacts on soil carbon in the UK land use, land use change and forestry inventory

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), GB
Research is required to develop a framework for capturing cropland and grassland management impacts on soil carbon in the UK LULUCF inventory and to populate this framework. The project is to start 10 September 2012 and last for 18 months ending 28 February 2014.
Award amount max: Not specified Closing date: 31 Jul 12
Further information

Darwin initiative - main projects

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), GB
The Darwin initiative aims to help safeguard the world's biodiversity by drawing on UK biodiversity expertise to work with local partners in countries that are rich in biodiversity but poor in financial resources. Defra would normally expect to fund projects in the range of £80,000 to £300,000 over three years.
Award amount max: Not specified Closing date: 13 Aug 12
Further information

DEFRA – Further calls

Honey bee health: mapping, analysis and improved understanding of stakeholder groups to help sustain honey bee health.
Closing date: 28 August 2012

Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES)-PES pilot research projects services (2012-13)
Closing date: 13 August 2012

Jobs

BSPB: Administrator Vacancy

The candidate will carry out a broad range of administrative and accounting work relating to the collection of seed royalties. This will include database inputting, checking invoices and other documents, chasing declarations and payments, investigative work, dealing with enquiries and helping with office IT support. The candidate must have excellent communication skills and be confident in, and comfortable with, a large amount of telephone work. They must be numerate and organised, have good attention to detail, with IT skills in MS Office applications. Experience in accounts work, in the agricultural supply industry or a farm office environment and an understanding of IT systems would be an advantage. Apply with CV and a covering letter explaining your suitability for the role, including current salary details, to BSPB Ltd,Woolpack Chambers, Market Street, Ely, Cambs CB7 4ND or by e-mail to enquiries@bspb.co.uk by 10 August 2012. For further information call Grahame Stephens on 07920 238252.
Further information

Elsoms: Vegetable Seeds Crop Manager Vacancy

http://www.elsoms.com/News.aspx
Download pdf with further details