Lecturer in Microbial Ecology/Microbiology

University of Plymouth; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK-based research university in Plymouth is seeking a Lecturer in Soil Microbial Ecology to enhance its interdisciplinary efforts in sustainable agriculture. The role includes conducting influential research, leading projects related to soil health, and teaching courses in soil science and environmental microbiology. Ideal candidates will have a PhD and a commitment to impactful research. The position offers comprehensive benefits, including generous leave and professional development opportunities, embedded within a supportive academic community.

Benefits

Generous annual leave: 35 Days Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays

Generous pension scheme

Cycle to Work & Electric Car Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Development opportunities

Enhanced family leave

Flexible working

Retailer discounts

On-site nursery

Qualifications

• Developing or established research profile with evidence of publication and funding success.
• Commitment to making a tangible difference through your work.

Responsibilities

• Conduct internationally excellent research on soil microbial ecology.
• Lead and collaborate on projects focusing on CRISPS' Soil Health goals.
• Teach undergraduate and postgraduate modules in soil science.

Skills

Microbial processes in soil-plant systems

Soil biodiversity and ecosystem function

Sustainable agriculture and regenerative farming practices

Education

PhD in Soil Microbial Ecology or related discipline

Job description

Overview

The University of Plymouth invites applications for the role of Lecturer in Soil Microbial Ecology or Soil Microbiology based within the interdisciplinary and impact-focused Centre for Research excellence in Intelligent and Sustainable Productive Systems (CRISPS). This post offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to our growing focus on soil health, particularly in the context of sustainable and regenerative agricultural systems in the UK's rural Southwest. As a Lecturer, you will contribute to CRISPS' overarching aim to improve agricultural productivity while reducing environmental harm. Your expertise in soil microbial communities and their role in ecosystem services will complement our work on climate‑resilient systems, resource‑efficient practices, and biodiversity‑rich landscapes. This role directly supports CRISPS' Soil Health theme, which focuses on the microbial and biochemical processes that underpin nutrient cycling, plant‑soil interactions, carbon sequestration, and agroecosystem sustainability. About CRISPS CRISPS is a vibrant, interdisciplinary research centre addressing the environmental, social, and economic challenges of 21st‑century agriculture. We work across scales - from soil microbiomes to supply chains - to shape systems that are productive, resilient, and regenerative. Our partnerships with farmers, land managers and owners, agri‑tech innovators, conservation groups, and policymakers ensure that our research delivers real‑world impact.

Responsibilities

• Conduct internationally excellent research on soil microbial ecology or soil microbiology, focusing on the relationships between microbial communities and agroecosystem function.
• Lead and collaborate on projects that contribute to CRISPS' Soil Health goals, including soil fertility, carbon dynamics, and resilience to environmental stressors.
• Engage with partners across agriculture, policy, and conservation to co‑design research and foster knowledge exchange in regenerative land management.
• Teach undergraduate and postgraduate modules in soil science, biochemistry, and environmental microbiology, and supervise student research projects.

Qualifications

• PhD in Soil Microbial Ecology, Soil Microbiology, Environmental Microbiology, Agroecology, or a related discipline.
• Developing or established research profile with evidence of publication and funding success.
• Commitment to making a tangible difference through your work.

Essential Expertise

• Microbial processes in soil‑plant systems
• Soil biodiversity and ecosystem function
• Sustainable agriculture and regenerative farming practices

Experience

Experience in cross‑sector collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and interdisciplinary research is highly valued.

Values and Commitment

The School of Biological and Marine Sciences holds a Bronze Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. The University of Plymouth has a strong interdisciplinary research ethos which is supported by our two strategic Research Institutes; the Marine Institute and the Sustainable Earth Institute. As a member of our academic community, you'll be expected to contribute to our recognised research strengths. Working holistically across the University, you will be challenged to innovate, collaborate and deliver impactful research contributions as part of a systems‑thinking approach to addressing today's global challenges.

The University of Plymouth is an inclusive community where everyone is welcomed regardless of their background. To find out more about our inclusive community initiatives, such as Athena Swan and the Race Equality Charter.

Benefits and Opportunities

• Join a research centre committed to shaping climate‑resilient, ecologically sound food systems.
• Work in one of the UK's most ecologically diverse agricultural regions, with access to research farms, field sites, and strong rural partnerships.
• Be part of a supportive academic environment with opportunities for career development and innovation‑led research.
• Generous annual leave: 35 Days Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays & Closure Days
• Generous pension scheme
• Cycle to Work & Electric Car Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Development opportunities
• Enhanced family leave
• Flexible working
• Retailer discounts
• On‑site nursery

Additional Information

Due to the nature of the role, unfortunately we are unable to accommodate working from home.

A relocation package may be available to the successful candidate, conditions apply.