Don't miss our weekly PhD newsletter | Sign up now Don't miss our weekly PhD newsletter | Sign up now

  The role of soil fertility in the function of mycorrhizal associations


   Soils Training Research Studentships Centre for Doctoral Training (STARS CDT)

This project is no longer listed on FindAPhD.com and may not be available.

Click here to search FindAPhD.com for PhD studentship opportunities
  Dr E Sayer  No more applications being accepted  Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)

About the Project

Why is this research exciting?
The plant-mycorrhizal relationship is common worldwide and plays a key role in plant growth and ecosystem carbon dynamics. Recent evidence suggests that the relationship can switch from being mutually beneficial to semi-parasitic, depending on soil nutrient availability, which in turn could influence ecosystem function and soil carbon storage. This project uses state-of-the art ecological, molecular, and biogeochemical techniques in field surveys and greenhouse experiments to evaluate the influence of nutrient availability on the plant-mycorrhizal association and assess the role of mycorrhizal fungi in soil carbon sequestration.

Why should you apply?
You will join a friendly, supportive research team to conduct cutting-edge research at the interface of soil science, plant ecology, and biogeochemistry. You will receive expert training in a variety of critical research skills and complete a training internship in molecular approaches and bioinformatics to advance a novel and important area of ecosystem science.

We are seeking applicants who are motivated by curiosity and a desire to answer novel scientific questions. The successful applicant will hold a minimum of a UK Honours Degree at 2:1 level or equivalent in a related subject. Fieldwork- and research experience are highly desirable. A strong work ethic, willingness to learn new techniques and participation in training programmes are essential. Applicants must be available to start on 1st October 2017.

For further details and pre-application enquiries, please contact Dr Emma Sayer [Email Address Removed]

Funding Notes

The studentships are fully funded for UK residents*, with fees paid and a stipend of £14,296 (2016/17 rate) tax-free per year. There is also a research training support grant to support the project. Usually a studentship is for three and a half years.

*Full studentships are available to UK and EU candidates who have been ordinarily resident in the UK throughout the 3-year period immediately preceding the date of an award. EU candidates who have not been ordinarily resident in the UK for the last 3 years are eligible for "tuition fees-only" awards (no maintenance grant). Unfortunately studentships are not available to International students. Further details about eligibility can be found on the STARS website.