Studentship in the Biochar Demonstrator: Impact of Biochar on Soil Health

TN United Kingdom; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a pioneering project at an established research institution focused on evaluating the impact of biochar on soil health. This exciting studentship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to vital research aimed at enhancing carbon sequestration and understanding ecosystem resilience in the face of climate change. You will be part of an interdisciplinary team, gaining hands-on experience in greenhouse gas removal techniques and the societal implications of biochar deployment. If you are passionate about environmental science and eager to make a difference, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Applicants should have a first- or upper second-class honours degree in biological sciences.
• Training in greenhouse gas removal and biochar deployment will be provided.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate the impact of biochar on soil biodiversity and ecosystem functions.
• Conduct comprehensive studies on biochar's effects on soil biota.

Skills

Biological Sciences

Research Methodology

Data Analysis

Education

First or Upper Second-Class Honours Degree

Job description

Social network you want to login/join with:

Studentship in the Biochar Demonstrator: Impact of Biochar on Soil Health, Nottingham

Client:

University of Nottingham

Location:

Nottingham, United Kingdom

Job Category:

-

EU work permit required:

Yes

Job Reference:

4e6c27079921

Job Views:

6

Posted:

05.05.2025

Expiry Date:

19.06.2025

Job Description:

The Biochar Demonstrator is part of the UK Research and Innovation £31.5M programme in greenhouse gas removal to help the UK meet its net zero climate target by 2050. Biochar is a charcoal-like material produced from heating biomass in the absence of oxygen (pyrolysis). The interdisciplinary Biochar Demonstrator project addresses uncertainties concerning the deployment of biochar in the UK. This involves a comprehensive demonstration programme using arable, grassland, and woodland, with over 150 tonnes of biochar deployed to study its permanence in carbon sequestration and effects on ecosystem services.

To support this research, the University of Nottingham offers studentships. The studentship aims to evaluate whether biochar deployment on agricultural land adversely affects soil biodiversity and maintains ecosystem functions. It will focus on how biochar influences soil biota and physicochemical properties, considering factors like biochar type, application rate, and location, which are often confounded in existing studies. Understanding these effects is crucial because soil biota regulate plant production and ecosystem resilience, especially important in the context of climate change.

Applicants should have a first- or upper second-class honours degree in biological sciences and be eligible for home fees. The studentship provides training in greenhouse gas removal and the societal, economic, and technical aspects of biochar deployment.

Enquiries should be addressed to Dr. Helen West.