PhD Studentship: The Cycling of Climate-active Sulfur Compounds by Major Crops

Overview

A fully-funded PhD studentship is available at the University of East Anglia within the School of Biological Sciences, focusing on the cycling of climate-active sulfur compounds by major crops. The research addresses the production, accumulation, microbial catabolism, and climate-active gas flux of dimethylsulfoniopropionate in maize cropped in East Anglia. The successful candidate will join research teams at the University of East Anglia and the Quadram Institute, receiving training across molecular ecology, microbiology, plant physiology, bioinformatics, analytical chemistry, fieldwork, and scientific communication.

Who can apply

Applicants must be motivated and innovative individuals with a background in microbiology or biology, holding a minimum of a 2:1 Bachelor degree. ARIES studentships are subject to UKRI terms and conditions, with fully-funded awards covering fees, a maintenance stipend, and a research training and support grant available to candidates meeting UKRI eligibility criteria. A limited number of studentships are also open to international applicants, with the university waiving the difference between home and international fees. Relocation, living costs, visa expenses, and health surcharges in the UK are not covered by the funding.

What you get

The studentship provides a maintenance stipend of £21,805 per annum for the 2026 to 2027 period, alongside coverage of tuition fees and a research training and support grant. Students receive interdisciplinary training and opportunities to present findings at team meetings, national and international conferences, and through peer-reviewed scientific publications and a doctoral thesis.

Requirements

Candidates are required to have a background in microbiology or biology and hold a minimum of a 2:1 Bachelor degree.

Key dates

The application deadline is 23:59 on 16 December 2026.