Dr Laurence Jones, Prof D Jones
Applications accepted all year round
About the Project
Nitrogen pollution can reduce plant diversity in dune ecosystems by 50%, but new research suggests that nitrogen saturation may actually limit the amount of nitrogen accumulating in dune soils. This innovative project will use high-resolution chronosequences (sites with soils of varying age, 0-160 years old) and computer modelling to unpick the key soil processes that control nitrogen availability, and ultimately plant diversity.
The project will work on two sites: in the UK (Newborough Warren) and the Netherlands (Luchterduinen). The student will measure soil processes in the field and the laboratory, using these to parameterise the CENTURY-SWAP model. The study will go on to predict how climate change will affect soil nitrogen stocks in the future, and the consequences for plant diversity.
You will be given full training in soil analysis techniques including use of stable isotopes, and in use of the CENTURY model, working closely with UK and Dutch experts.
Applicants should hold a minimum of a UK Honours Degree at 2:1 level or equivalent in subjects such as Environmental Science, Agriculture, Geography or Natural Sciences. The project is multidisciplinary, combining soil science, plant ecology and modelling, and will operate at a number of scales, making a wide range of scientific training suitable. The student must have a good grasp of mathematics and be able to interact in a group containing a wide range of expertise. Applicants must be willing and able to undertake fieldwork and should possess a full driver’s licence.
Applications will be considered as they come in and the position will close once filled.
For further details, please contact Dr Laurence Jones [Email Address Removed]
This project is part the STARS CDT (www.starsoil.org.uk ) and will be registered at Bangor University.
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.
*Candidates who have been ordinarily resident in the UK throughout the 3-year period immediately preceding the start date. EU candidates who do not fulfil these criteria 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.
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