PhD Scholarship in Soil Sciences and Ecology at Utrecht University Utrecht University in Netherlands

A PhD scholarship opportunity is available at Utrecht University, Netherlands, focusing on Soil Sciences, Ecology, and related fields. The project is part of a larger nitrogen deposition initiative, aiming to measure and model spatial and temporal patterns in nitrogen deposition and air concentrations. Research activities include studying how nitrogen deposition and soil acidification impact soil microbial communities and, consequently, forest stand growth and survival.

The position involves fieldwork in forests with nitrogen deposition gradients, including sites with sandy soils in the Netherlands and abroad. Key tasks include soil sampling, tree growth measurements using dendrometers, and laboratory experiments on collected forest soils. Laboratory analyses will cover genetic (PCR) analyses, phospholipid fatty acids (PLFA) analyses, microbial biomass, soil carbon, respiration, and enzymatic activities.

Applicants should have a strong background in soil sciences, ecology, or similar fields. Experience with fieldwork and laboratory techniques such as PCR and PLFA analyses is desirable. The project offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to environmental science research and gain expertise in soil and forest ecology.

For more information and to apply, visit the provided application link. The position is based at Utrecht University, a leading institution in the Netherlands, and is supervised by Ali Fakhar, a researcher at Aarhus University. Funding details are not specified in the announcement.