PhD in Soil Carbon Dynamics and Market Mechanisms for Species-Rich Grassland Restoration

This funded PhD opportunity at the University of Aberdeen focuses on the restoration of species-rich grasslands, which are among the UK's most biodiverse habitats but have suffered extensive loss due to agricultural intensification. The project aims to develop a scientifically robust soil carbon metric for grassland restoration, translate ecological data into a market-based carbon credit framework, and evaluate the feasibility of implementing such credits within existing policy and market structures. Students will use a space-for-time approach to sample grasslands at various stages of restoration, measuring soil organic carbon, mineral-associated organic matter, and microbial carbon use efficiency across multiple depths and sites. These data will inform the development of a soil carbon metric, enabling comparison of carbon accumulation rates and assessment of how grass diversity and management practices influence carbon storage. Building on these ecological insights, the project will apply an ecological-economic modelling framework to predict the uptake of grassland carbon credits by land managers. The modelling will evaluate how payment mechanisms could incentivise land management changes, predict changes in soil carbon under alternative practices, and assess benefits to key ecological indicators. The analysis will guide the design of a conceptual credit framework, linking measurable ecological improvements to realistic incentive structures. The student will also conduct a scoping review of existing carbon credit schemes, including those for peatland and woodland, to understand definitions, incentive structures, and uptake drivers. Semi-structured interviews with farmers, land managers, investors, and policymakers will explore attitudes toward grassland carbon credits, perceived barriers, and preferences for voluntary versus regulatory incentives. The findings will be mapped against current market and policy mechanisms to assess feasibility and alignment with broader environmental objectives. This interdisciplinary project is ideal for students interested in soil science, ecology, environmental governance, and policy. It offers the opportunity to develop strong scientific and analytical skills while engaging with real-world environmental challenges and stakeholders. The research is supported by a collaborative supervisory team from the University of Aberdeen, University of Glasgow, James Hutton Institute, and Plantlife. Funding is provided for four years at the UKRI national rate, including a tax-free stipend of £20,780 per year, Home tuition fees, research support, and an external placement of up to six months. Both home and international students are eligible, with limited international fee waivers available. Applicants should have a relevant academic background and be comfortable with fieldwork, laboratory analysis, quantitative data handling, and qualitative research methods. Part-time study is possible at a minimum of 50%. The application deadline is January 30, 2026. Interested candidates should apply online via the University of Aberdeen portal and are encouraged to contact the primary supervisor for further information, especially if applying as an international student.