PhD Studentship: How Long Does it Take Grassland Fungi to Recover After Disturbance?

Overview

This PhD studentship investigates the recovery time and drivers of grassland fungal communities following disturbances such as ploughing. The project uses soil sampling across three United Kingdom grassland sites, including Rothamsted Research long-term experiment sites in Hertfordshire and Devon, as well as the Holkham Estate in Norfolk. Research methodology involves metabarcoding sequencing to characterize fungal and bacterial diversity, soil chemistry data collection, and finer-resolution sampling of a focal shared grass species to examine fungal partner recruitment. The studentship provides field, laboratory, and bioinformatics training, including training in fungal ecology, taxonomy, and biogeochemistry, alongside access to sequencing expertise at the Earlham Institute and established long-term experimental datasets.

Who can apply

Applicants must hold a degree in ecology, microbiology, environmental science, or a related field, and possess enthusiasm for field, laboratory, and computational work. A limited number of studentships are available for international applicants, where the registering university waives the difference between home and international fees. Applications are encouraged from all community sections regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation, and transgender status, with equal weighting applied to academic qualifications and non-academic experience and potential.

What you get

Successful candidates meeting UKRI eligibility criteria receive a fully-funded studentship covering fees, a maintenance stipend of £21,805 per annum, and a research training and support grant. Funding does not cover relocation costs, living costs in the UK, visa costs, or the health surcharge.

Requirements

Applicants must submit an application for the relevant project and complete a separate ARIES Equality and Diversity Form for each project application.

Key dates

The closing date for applications is 2026-12-16.