IMPORTANT: Please note that applications should be sent to postfellowships@parliament.uk. Any applications that have been sent to a different email address will need to be resent to the address above. We apologise for any confusion.

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Overview

  • Applications for 2023-2024 were open to PhD students of UK universities researching a food science and technology topic.
  • Applications closed at 23:59 on 10th May 2023.

About the scheme

POST and IFST are offering a three-month fellowship to PhD students completing a PhD on a food science and technology topic based in a UK University. There is one funded fellowship available.

Successful applicants will be based in UK Parliament, supporting its use of research evidence. Most fellows assist POST in providing briefing material for parliamentarians on emerging food science and technology topics. Work may include:

  • Producing a POSTnote or POSTbrief (briefing documents to help inform the work of MPs and Peers), or contributing to a longer briefing report.
  • Assisting a select committee in an ongoing inquiry.
  • Organising a seminar to inform or disseminate research.

PhD Fellows are encouraged to interact closely with people and activities in the two Houses of Parliament, including Select committees, MPs and Peers, their support services, ‘All-Party Parliamentary Group’ meetings and the very wide range of other activities at the Palace of Westminster.

The fellowship can be carried out full-time for three months or part-time over a longer period. Successful applicants will be expected to start their fellowship between September 2023 and June 2024. The exact start date is to be agreed between the applicant, POST, and the applicant’s supervisor.

About the Institute of Food Science and Technology

The Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST) is the UK’s leading professional body for those involved in all aspects of food science and technology. IFST is an internationally respected independent membership body, supporting food professionals through knowledge sharing and professional recognition. IFST membership comprises individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, from students to experts, working across a wide range of disciplines within the sector.

Briefings written by fellows funded through the IFST POST Fellowship scheme include:

Who is eligible to apply?

Applicants should be in the second or third year of their PhD studies, undertaking research studies related to Food Science and Technology at a UK university. Students who are writing up their theses but have not yet graduated are eligible to apply. For all our fellowship schemes, we welcome and encourage applications from underrepresented groups. You do not have to be a member of the IFST to apply, although the IFST encourages students to join to benefit from its networks.

Successful candidates will be required to complete pre-employment checks. This includes security vetting to Counter Terrorist Check (CTC) level. All successful candidates are required to pass these checks before an offer can be confirmed.

How to apply

It is important that you download and read the application pack before applying, as it contains more details on the role, application process, and assessment criteria.

Applicants should submit:

  • A completed application form.
  • An approval form, which has been completed by your PhD Supervisor and Head of Department.
  • A two-page briefing on a topic that you think would be of current interest to Parliamentarians. The briefing should be completed using the briefing template and should not contain your name or any other identifying details. We want you to use the briefing template and ensure your work is not identifiable in order to make the process as fair and unbiased as possible. Please see the application pack for the two-page briefing assessment and some tips for writing it.

Download the application pack (with role criteria)

Download the application form

Download the two-page briefing template

Download the approval form

Please email your two-page briefing and completed approval form to the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology at postfellowships@parliament.uk.

Assessment of applications is a two-stage process: applications will undergo an initial sift based on the application form and two-page briefing. Applicants successful at this stage will be invited to interview. Please note, only one application can be submitted by each applicant.

The deadline for applications is 23:59, 10th May 2023. Interviews will be held on the week commencing 5th June 2023. Fellowships will be arranged subject to the availability at POST and the availability of the candidate between September 2023 and June 2024.

Funding arrangements

IFST will support the Fellow by providing funding of £7,000 to cover a 3-month extension to their PhD award, maintenance and accommodation. Travel and any caring costs incurred as part of the fellowship will also need to be paid out of this amount.

If you have a question that is not answered in the application pack or our frequently asked questions page, please contact POST (postfellowships@parliament.uk).

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