• Applications for 2021–2022 are now closed to PhD students of UK universities researching a food science and technology topic.
  • Applications closed at 23:59 on 7th June 2021.

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 2021 and June 2022. 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.

POSTnotes 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. This includes students who will start their second year of studies in September/October 2021. 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.

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.

Download the application pack

Please note that the application pack as been updated on 21/5/2021 to reflect the eligibility clarification included in this webpage.

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 two-page briefing template

Download the approval form

Please email your two-page briefing and completed approval form to the Institute of Food Science and Technology at info@ifst.org

Assessment of applications is a two stage process: applications will undergo an initial sift on the basis of two-page briefing and applicants successful at this stage will be invited to a remote interview. The application process will be completed at both stages by POST and IFST. Please note, only one application can be submitted by each applicant.

The deadline for applications is 23:59, 7 June 2021. Interviews will be held on week commencing 28 June 2021. Fellowships will be arranged subject to the availability at POST and the availability of the candidate between September 2021 and June 2022.

Funding arrangements

IFST will support the Fellow by providing funding of £5,000 to cover a 3-month extension to their PhD award, maintenance (including caring costs) and accommodation (including travel costs for relocation).

Download the application pack

If you have a question that is not answered in the application pack or our frequently asked questions page, please contact Cristiana Vagnoni, Biological Sciences and Health Adviser at POST (vagnonic@parliament.uk) or IFST (info@ifst.org).

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