PhD Studentship

Imagine you had the opportunity to work on something as exciting as the development of the first aerial drone before drones were a thing! No need to go back in time: at Crover Ltd we are a pioneering, multi-award-winning company based in central Edinburgh, Scotland and we have developed the first ever 'below-ground' robotic device (a 'CROVER') able to move through dense dry granular media (e.g. sand, grains, powders) at fully-buried depths.

Crover's first product is a small robotic device for the monitoring of cereal grains stored in bulk (e.g. in sheds or grains bins), allowing grain storage operators to identify critical conditions like hotspots early and maintain the quality of the grains through proactive management. #SavingGrains

We have partnered with Cranfield University to offer a PhD opportunity in Applied Mycology and Data Science.

PhD Project Title: Implementation of innovative telemetric technology towards carbon-neutral and safe grain storage

The project focuses on environmental sustainability in grain storage, developing telemetric robotic sensing and predictive modelling to control mycotoxin (Ochratoxin A) risk while reducing postharvest drying energy demand. Combining applied mycology, food safety modelling, precision agriculture and Net Zero energy systems, the research will deliver energy-efficient, data-driven grain storage solutions for the UK agri-food sector.

This interdisciplinary project sits at the intersection of bioengineering, heat and mass transfer, predictive modelling, postharvest systems engineering and applied microbiology. It addresses the urgent need for energy-efficient grain storage solutions in the context of climate change and Net Zero commitments. By integrating thermal dynamics, moisture migration modelling and real-time telemetric sensing, the research responds constructively to the dual challenge of maintaining food safety while reducing the carbon footprint of postharvest cereal management across the UK supply chain.

The project aims to collaboratively design and validate an integrated engineering and biological modelling framework for carbon-efficient grain storage. It will combine heat and moisture transfer modelling, stochastic prediction of fungal growth and Ochratoxin A risk, and optimisation of in situ robotic sensing technology. Through this systems-based approach, the research will generate balanced, data-informed strategies that enable proportionate ventilation, cooling and drying decisions, reducing unnecessary energy use while safeguarding grain safety.

Start: 28 September 2026

Duration: 3.5 years

Further details, as well as information on how to apply can be found at: https://www.cranfield.ac.uk/research/phd/implementation-of-innovative-telemetric-technology

For further information on the role, please contact Dr Carol Verheecke-Vaessen of Cranfield University: https://www.cranfield.ac.uk/research/phd/implementation-of-innovative-telemetric-technology

Please apply directly through Cranfield University at: https://www.cranfield.ac.uk/research/phd/implementation-of-innovative-telemetric-technology (using the Apply Now button)