PhD Studentship: Soil Carbon and Soil Health Through Landscape Transition
Investigate how nature-based solutions and landscape transitions impact soil carbon dynamics and microbial communities.
Best for:Best for motivated graduates in environmental science or ecology with a keen interest in soil microbiology and analytical laboratory research.
Overview
The University of East Anglia's School of Environmental Sciences is offering a fully-funded PhD studentship focused on soil carbon and soil health in the context of landscape transition. Building upon the UKRI OpenLAND project and partnered with the Wendling Beck Nature Recovery Project, the successful candidate will evaluate soil carbon stocks, stability, and microbiome responses. The research integrates advanced laboratory analyses, such as dry combustion and thermogravimetric analysis, with molecular ecology techniques like eDNA sequencing. The student will participate in structured cohort training and practical placements within environmental restoration programmes.
What you'll do
- Assess soil carbon stocks, carbon stability, and microbial community responses during landscape transitions.
- Perform laboratory analyses including dry combustion and thermogravimetric analysis to quantify carbon flows and quality.
- Apply molecular ecology techniques, including eDNA extraction, amplification, and sequencing, to characterize soil microbial populations.
- Conduct field work and habitat classifications for Biodiversity Net Gain.
- Participate in practical placements with organizations leading real-world landscape recovery and ecosystem restoration projects.
- Engage with cohort-based training programs and integrate multidisciplinary approaches into environmental research.
Requirements
Degree required: BSc or equivalent in soil science, ecology, environmental change, microbiology, or a related field
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English
Instruction: English
- Strong background or interest in soil science, ecology, environmental change, or microbiology
- Willingness to conduct both field and laboratory research
- Aptitude for working across disciplinary boundaries
- Open to applicants meeting UKRI eligibility criteria for fully-funded studentships
- Limited international studentships available with fee differences waived by the university
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-12-16
Applicants should apply through the university's postgraduate research application portal following the instructions provided on the official application page.
- CV
- Cover letter
- Transcripts
- Reference letters
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