Applications are invited for a fully funded PhD studentship investigating how plant–microbiome interactions can be harnessed to improve the sustainability of agricultural systems.
Nitrogen fertilisers are essential for global food production, but their inefficient use contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution, and reduced sustainability of crop production. Plants and soil microorganisms play a critical role in regulating nitrogen transformations in soil, creating exciting opportunities to develop innovative biological solutions that improve nutrient use efficiency while reducing environmental impacts.
This interdisciplinary project will explore the interactions between crop plants, beneficial microorganisms, and soil processes, with the aim of developing new approaches to enhance sustainable nutrient management in agricultural systems. The research will combine controlled-environment experiments, advanced molecular techniques, soil science, and environmental monitoring to investigate the mechanisms underpinning plant–microbe interactions and their effects on nitrogen cycling.
The successful candidate will receive extensive training in microbiology, molecular ecology, bioinformatics, soil science, plant physiology, analytical chemistry, and experimental design. Training opportunities will include microbial cultivation, genomics and qPCR, stable isotope techniques, greenhouse gas measurements, soil biophysics, and advanced data analysis. The student will also benefit from specialist courses in statistics, bioinformatics, scientific writing, communication, and career development.
The project is jointly supervised by Prof. Cecile Gubry-Rangin, a recognised expert in microbial ecology and nitrogen cycling, and Prof. Paul Hallett, a leading expert in soil physical and biological processes. The student will join a vibrant and collaborative research environment with access to state-of-the-art facilities and international research networks spanning academia, industry, and agricultural stakeholders.
The successful candidate will be based at the University of Aberdeen, a world-leading institution with internationally recognised strengths in environmental and agricultural research, offering an outstanding research environment, state-of-the-art facilities, and a vibrant international community in one of Scotland's most attractive and affordable coastal cities.
This project offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of innovative biological technologies that support resilient, productive, and environmentally sustainable agriculture.
Informal enquiries are encouraged! For further information please contact Professor Cecile Gubry-Rangin (c.rangin@abdn.ac.uk)
