Dr L Dupuy, Prof K Ritz
No more applications being accepted
Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)
About the Project
Diversity and composition of microbial populations in soil are key drivers to most geochemical processes, they contribute to the resilience of soils to climate change and to the emission of retention of green-house gases from soils. Unfortunately, the mechanisms that underpin microbial activity in soil are complex and poorly understood by the scientific community. Since plant roots are the main source of organic carbon in the bulk soil, the successive waves of root growth must impose a rhythm on the variations in structure and activities of soil microbial populations. This project proposes to investigate how root growth influences the cycles of this soil microbial activity. The project will use a range of computational tools such as image analysis, mathematical modelling and computer simulations to understand how, where and when root-microbe-microbe interactions take place in soil.
Applicants should hold a minimum of a UK Honours Degree at 2.1 level or equivalent in a subject such as Biological Sciences, Natural Sciences or Environmental Sciences and should demonstrate knowledge and interest in a programming language. We also encourage the application of candidates with a background in engineering or physics with an interest in life sciences.
For further details please contact
Dr Lionel Dupuy ([Email Address Removed] ) or
Prof Karl Ritz ([Email Address Removed])
This project is part the STARS CDT (www.starsoil.org.uk ) and will be registered at the University of Nottingham.
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.