An exciting PhD opportunity is available at Lancaster University, supervised by Professor David Johnson and Dr. Barbara Mable (University of Glasgow), focusing on the role of soil fungal networks in enhancing the resilience of grasslands to drought and insect pests. This project is funded by the BBSRC NorthWest Bio doctoral training network and is part of the Plant Health, Resilience, Yield and Growth research theme.

The research aims to understand how root-associated mycorrhizal fungi form common networks that connect multiple plants, facilitating the acquisition and distribution of essential nutrients and water, and regulating plant defense mechanisms against herbivores. Despite their importance, the extent and ecological function of these fungal networks in natural grasslands, especially regarding their role in plant community resilience to environmental stressors like drought and herbivory, remain poorly understood.

The successful candidate will design and conduct field experiments to manipulate the formation of mycorrhizal networks and apply treatments simulating insect herbivory and drought. The project is interdisciplinary, offering training in molecular biology, isotope tracer techniques, soil biochemistry, and animal, plant, and fungal ecology. The outcomes will contribute to a deeper understanding of grassland ecosystem functioning and have implications for conservation, agriculture, and bioscience careers.

Applicants should have a strong background in biological or environmental sciences, with skills or interest in molecular biology, ecology, or soil science. The program typically requires a good undergraduate degree (2:1 or equivalent) and may require English language proficiency for international applicants. Funding covers tuition and a stipend as per UKRI rates.

For more information and to apply, visit the NorthWest Bio doctoral training network website. This is an excellent opportunity for students interested in plant-microbe interactions, ecosystem resilience, and interdisciplinary biosciences research.