PhD Studentship: Underpinning Knowledge to Test and Inform Bracken Control Strategies

Overview

This PhD studentship investigates how bracken responds physiologically to mechanical treatments such as cutting, rolling, and a new crimping technique. The project combines field experiments with growth studies and modern plant physiology to examine the impact of mechanical damage on frond regrowth, carbohydrate transport, rhizome reserves, and biodiversity. The research aims to generate practical evidence for sustainable bracken control to support land managers, farmers, foresters, and conservation professionals. The work is conducted across Newcastle University and the James Hutton Institute over a duration of 3.5 years, with a start date of 4 January 2027.

Who can apply

Applicants must hold, or expect to achieve, a minimum 2:1 Honours degree or an international equivalent in a relevant subject area such as plant science, biological sciences, ecology, or agricultural sciences. Candidates are also required to demonstrate an enthusiasm for research, strong analytical capabilities, independent thinking and working skills, and effective verbal and written communication abilities.

What you get

The award covers 100% of home fees and provides a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £21,805, corresponding to the 2026/27 UKRI rate. Additional research funds are also included as part of the studentship.

How to apply

Candidates must submit their applications through the designated university portal. Applicants need to register, create a postgraduate application, and use the course search with the programme code 8020F under the Ecosystems research area to select the full-time PhD Biology programme of study. In the further details section, applicants must include a mandatory personal statement and enter the studentship reference code SNES317 in the designated field. When prompted regarding a research proposal, applicants must select write proposal and enter the exact project title from the advertisement, without uploading a separate proposal document. Additionally, a CV must be uploaded in the supporting documentation section, and candidates are limited to one application per studentship.

Key dates

The application closing date is 20 November 2026. The studentship begins on 4 January 2027.