The full time one year studentship (theses must be submitted a maximum of 3 months after the funded one year study period) includes a tax-free maintenance stipend of £10,130 for 12 months, with full-time fees paid and additional allowances. A requirement of the studentship is a 30-day placement with the partner company, during the period of the project. The achievement of a Postgraduate Skills Development Award (PSDA) is compulsory for each KESS scholar. More information can be found at www.higherskillswales.co.uk/kess
The KESS funding is to deliver the approved project as outlined below
Research project:
For breeding crops with durable resistance to plant pathogens it is essential to introduce multiple genes for resistance to make the plant more resilient to the evolving pathogen. Two genes are being introduced through conventional breeding for late-blight resistance in tomato. This project will investigate the value of a third gene through laboratory tests and field trials. The student will receive training in microbiology, DNA analysis methods and host/pathogen analysis in the laboratory, greenhouse and field. Results of the research will be applied in the in the production of new cultivars. The student will be exposed to the workings of the horticulture industry and thereby become better qualified to take up employment in that industry.
Qualifications and experience requirements for successful applicant. The prospective applicant should have a minimum of a 1st or good 2:1 in a relevant degree, and be available to take up the studentship by the beginning of October 2014. (Applicants need only apply, they do not need to secure a partner company)
Eligibility: To be eligible to participate in the KESS programme prospective students must be resident in the Convergence Area (West Wales and the Valleys) on application, and be able to work in the Convergence Area upon completion of the scholarship. The Eligibility Form is the first step in the application process and any applications which do not meet the above criteria will not be processed further.
How to apply: The first step in the application process will be to complete and submit the KESS Participant Application and Eligibility Form which can be downloaded here. This form must be completed, signed and an original copy submitted to Caroline Barton, Senior Clerical Officer, KESS, Room E1.09, The Management Centre, College Road, Bangor, LL57 2DG kess@bangor.ac.uk. You will receive a response regarding your eligibility within 5 working days of receipt of your form.
Knowledge Economy Skills Scholarships (KESS) is a pan-Wales higher level skills initiative led by Bangor University on behalf of the HE sector in Wales. It is part funded by the Welsh Government’s European Social Fund (ESF) convergence programme for West Wales and the Valleys.
For more information on the KESS project please contact Dr Penny Dowdney on 01248 382266 or p.j.dowdney@bangor.ac.uk for specific academic queries please contact Dr Katherine Steele on k.a.steele@bangor.ac.uk