"Research Associate Soil Microbial Ecology"

We wish to appoint a highly motivated and enthusiastic post-doctoral researcher to join a team at Lancaster exploring the diversity, stability and functioning of the soil microbiome (SoilResist). The position is associated with an ERC Advanced Grant awarded to Richard Bardgett, which seeks to: (i) develop a mechanistic understanding of the factors that underpin the resistance and resilience of complex soil microbial communities and their functioning to anthropogenic perturbations; and (ii) identity critical thresholds for abrupt transitions of microbial communities to alternative states and consequences for soil functioning.

This position will mainly focus on the analysis and interpretation of existing data on soil microbial responses to drought collected from a global network of grassland sites (NutNet) and associated field and mesocosm-based experiments. The appointee will also have an opportunity to conduct independent experimental work to test for effects of recurring drought on microbial stability.

The position is full time for 18 months and the appointee will be part of a team of three postdoctoral researchers, each with complementary expertise, and will bring to the project specific theoretical and statistical expertise in the study of microbial stability.

The successful applicant will be part of the newly established Centre for Sustainable Soils at Lancaster University, which has newly refurbished laboratories with state-of-the-art facilities for soil microbial and biogeochemical analysis. The successful candidate will also benefit from being part of a team of postdoctoral scientists working on related projects within the Centre of Sustainable Soils.

This post is available from the 1st December 2025 and is available for 18 months, or until 31st May 2027.

Informal inquiries are welcome and may be directed to Professor Richard Bardgett: r.d.bardgett1@lancaster.ac.uk

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