PhD Studentship: Evidencing the Links Between Soil Acoustics and Soil Health
Investigate the emerging field of soil acoustics to measure biodiversity and soil health non-invasively.
Best for:Best for ecology or environmental science graduates with an interest in acoustic monitoring and ecological fieldwork.
Overview
This PhD studentship at the University of East Anglia examines the relationship between soil acoustics and soil health, focusing on how acoustic monitoring can assess soil biodiversity. The successful candidate will sample and quantify soil acoustic properties across various land-use management systems and soil types. Responsibilities include parameterizing relationships between soil biodiversity and sound, assessing the influence of soil texture and carbon stocks, and linking acoustics to management practices. The project provides comprehensive training in field and lab data collection, statistical modeling, and scientific communication.
What you'll do
- Sample and quantify soil acoustic properties across a portfolio of sites with diverse land-use management and soil characteristics.
- Parameterize and calibrate the relationship between soil biodiversity and soil acoustic characteristics.
- Determine how soil texture, structure, carbon stocks, and moisture content influence acoustic properties.
- Establish connections between soil acoustic characteristics, land management practices, and above-ground biomass.
- Apply ecological principles to field data and conduct advanced statistical modeling.
- Engage in scientific writing, science communication, and develop independent research lines.
Requirements
Degree required: BSc or MSc in Ecology, Environmental Sciences, or a related subject
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English
Instruction: English
- Background in ecology, environmental sciences, or a related discipline
- Field and lab data collection skills
- Understanding of ecological principles and applied issues
- 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 must submit their application through the university's postgraduate research application portal. Following submission, candidates are required to complete the separate ARIES Equality and Diversity Form for each project applied to.
- CV
- Application form
- ARIES Equality and Diversity Form
Contact
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