PhD Studentship: Underpinning Knowledge to Test and Inform Bracken Control Strategies

Newcastle University; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Home fees covered

Living allowance

Job summary

Newcastle University, in collaboration with James Hutton Institute, invites applications for a PhD project investigating bracken physiology under cutting, rolling and crimping. The PhD will explore regrowth, carbohydrate transport, rhizome reserves and biodiversity, providing practical evidence to improve control strategies across the UK.

Eligibility includes a 2:1 honours degree and demonstrated research enthusiasm, with strong analytical and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a relevant field.
• Demonstrated enthusiasm for research with ability to think and work independently.
• Excellent analytical and written/spoken communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Investigate how bracken responds physiologically to cutting, rolling and crimping.
• Combine field experiments with modern plant physiology and growth studies.
• Collaborate across James Hutton Institute and Newcastle University researchers.
• Generate practical evidence to support sustainable bracken control for farmers, foresters and conservation managers.

Skills

Research enthusiasm

Analytical skills

Verbal and written communication

Education

2:1 Honours degree (biological/plant sciences)

Job description

Award Summary

100% home fees covered, and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £21, 805 (2026/27 UKRI rate) plus additional research funds

Overview

Bracken is one of the UK’s most persistent land-management challenges, threatening farming, forestry and biodiversity while becoming harder to control following the loss of asulam. This PhD will investigate how bracken responds physiologically to cutting, rolling and an innovative new ‘crimping’ technique, combining field experiments with modern plant physiology and growth studies. Working across the James Hutton Institute and Newcastle University, the student will explore how mechanical damage affects frond regrowth, carbohydrate transport, underground rhizome reserves and wider biodiversity. The project will generate practical evidence to improve sustainable bracken control and support farmers, foresters and conservation managers across the UK and beyond.

Number Of Awards

1

Start Date

4 January 2027

Award Duration

3.5 years

Application Closing Date

20 November 2026

Sponsor

Newcastle University

Supervisors

Prof Darren Evans

Dr Patricia Lopez- Calcagno

Eligibility Criteria

You must have, or expect to gain, a minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a subject relevant to the proposed PhD project (biological sciences, plant science, ecology or agricultural sciences) Enthusiasm for research, the ability to think and work independently, excellent analytical skills and strong verbal and written communication skills are also essential requirements.

Benefits & Perks

• 100% home fees covered, and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £21, 805 (2026/27 UKRI rate) plus additional research funds
• £21,805 minimum tax-free annual living allowance and 100% home fees covered.