Impacts of water table variations on soil carbon and nitrogen dynamics in managed tropical peatlands.

Tropical peatlands constitute one of the largest terrestrial carbon stores globally, and play a central role in modulating climate and the functioning of the Earth system. Disturbance of tropical peatlands due to selective logging, deforestation, drainage, and agricultural conversion have potentially wide-ranging implications not only for global climate, but also for regional biogeochemical processes, and the provision of ecosystem services at the local scale. Drainage is one of the most common anthropogenic interventions in managed tropical peatlands, and can lead to critical, cascading shifts in soil and ecosystem functioning, including accelerated rates of peat oxidation, enhanced greenhouse gas emissions, land subsidence, and changes to hydrology, which can trigger changes in local flood frequency. Improved water table management has the potential to mitigate the negative environmental impacts arising from tropical peatland drainage, and more studies are urgently required to improve our understanding of how water table fluctuations influence key processes such as peat oxidation, nutrient cycling, and greenhouse gas exchange.

The goal of this PhD project is to investigate the effects of drainage and water table variations on soil processes in managed tropical peatlands in Sarawak (Malaysian Borneo), with the wider goal of developing strategies or management practices that will reduce rates of peatland degradation and minimise negative environmental impacts. We are seeking a PhD candidate who is dynamic and independently-minded, capable of working creatively as part of an inter- and multi-disciplinary team of researchers. The PhD candidate will have the opportunity to join a vibrant and international team, including world-renowned experts from the University of Exeter, the Malaysian Palm Oil Board, the University of Leicester, the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, the Open University, the University of Malaysia Sarawak, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (National University of Malaysia), and Sarawak Oil Palms Berhd. Informal enquiries may be made to Dr Yit Arn Teh at the University of Aberdeen ([Email Address Removed]).

Application Process:
Please apply for admission to the ’Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Biological Science’ to ensure that your application is passed to the correct School for processing.

Please provide a copy of the degree certificate and transcript for each previous degree undertaken, a copy of your English language proficiency certificate (if relevant), and contact details of two referees who can comment on your previous academic performance (at least one should be from your current degree programme). References will be requested if you are selected for interview. Incomplete applications will not be considered.