PhD: Microbiomes for Sustainable Low-Input Agriculture

University of East Anglia; Norwich; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

University of East Anglia invites applications for a 4-year PhD studentship based at the John Innes Centre and Norwich Research Park to explore how soil microbiomes interact with wheat genetics to reduce fertiliser inputs while maintaining yields.

The project combines field experimentation, crop phenotyping, and microbiome approaches in a collaborative setting with JIC, NIAB, and the Earlham Institute. Start date: 1 October 2027. Full-time study, NRPDTP funded.

Qualifications

• At least UK equivalence Bachelors (Honours) 2:1.
• English Language requirement: IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category.

Responsibilities

• Investigate how wheat genotype and nutrient management influence beneficial microbial associations.
• Assess crop performance and nutrient-use efficiency.
• Characterise fungal and bacterial communities associated with roots.
• Identify microbial functions linked to improved crop performance under reduced-input conditions.

Skills

Field experimentation

Plant-microbe biology

Crop phenotyping

Bioinformatics

Education

Bachelor's degree (Honours) 2:1 UK equivalent

Job description

University of East Anglia invites applications for a 4-year PhD studentship based at the John Innes Centre and Norwich Research Park to explore how soil microbiomes interact with wheat genetics to reduce fertiliser inputs while maintaining yields.

The project combines field experimentation, crop phenotyping, and microbiome approaches in a collaborative setting with JIC, NIAB, and the Earlham Institute. Start date: 1 October 2027. Full-time study, NRPDTP funded.