PhD Scholarship on Soil Microbiome Fully Funded.

Table of Contents

University of Greenwich

Are you passionate about sustainable agriculture and the unseen world of soil microbes? This PhD studentship offers an exciting opportunity to explore how manipulating light conditions in greenhouses impacts the delicate balance of the soil microbiome and crop health.

Project Overview

Our research group is investigating the potential of semi-transparent solar panels in greenhouses. This project delves deeper, examining how these panels, which alter light quantity and quality reaching crops, affect the community of microbes living in the root zone (rhizosphere). This microscopic world plays a crucial role in plant growth and disease resistance.

Your Role

As a PhD student, you’ll be part of a dynamic team with expertise in plant biology, soil health, and cutting-edge analysis techniques. You’ll investigate:

Microbial Diversity: You’ll assess the number and variety of microbes in the rhizosphere under different light conditions. This information will be used to understand how light influences plant-microbe communication and the presence of beneficial organisms.
Plant Root Signals: You’ll study how light variations affect the chemical signals released by plant roots, and how these signals influence microbial behavior and crop health.
Disease and Light: You’ll identify and test common soil-borne pathogens to understand how light conditions interact with overall soil microbial health and disease resistance in crops.

Support and Development

Throughout your PhD journey, you’ll receive exceptional support:

Expert Mentorship: A team of scientists with diverse backgrounds in plant biology, soil health, next-generation sequencing, and statistics will guide you.
Collaborative Environment: You’ll work alongside a vibrant group of researchers at various career stages.
Tailored Project: We’ll adapt project components to align with your interests and experience.
Networking Opportunities: You’ll connect with farm businesses and share your findings at conferences.

Funding and Eligibility

This studentship is open to EU, international, self-funded, and UK students.

Funding covers:

Year 1: £18,622 (full-time) or pro-rated for part-time
Year 2 & 3: Competitive stipend aligned with UKRI rates

The successful candidate will also receive a tuition fee contribution equivalent to the university’s home rate for the scholarship duration. International applicants are responsible for the remaining tuition fees which are subject to annual increases.

Qualifications

An honors degree (or equivalent) in Microbiology, Plant Biology, or Molecular Biology.
Enthusiasm for sustainable agriculture and fundamental plant science.
Prior experience with microbiome analysis and Bioinformatics data (helpful, but training provided).