Funded PhD: Quantifying the Impact of Contrasting Forest Creation Approaches on Soil Carbon Stock Accumulation University of Bristol in United Kingdom

This fully funded 4-year PhD studentship at the University of Bristol offers an exciting opportunity to join the European Research Council (ERC) funded RECONNECT project, embedded within the SAP Lab (Soil Animal Plant interactions Lab) and led by Dr Hannah Griffiths. The project aims to address critical knowledge gaps in how different forest creation approaches—such as tree planting versus natural regeneration—affect the accumulation, stability, and turnover of soil carbon stocks, which are vital for climate mitigation.

Reforestation is widely recognized for its role in sequestering atmospheric CO2, but the mechanisms by which restoration strategies influence soil carbon pools remain poorly understood. This PhD will focus on three main research goals: (1) determining if the method of forest creation impacts the stability of soil carbon stocks; (2) investigating whether differences in root-derived carbon inputs belowground are linked to mineral associated organic matter (MAOM) carbon stocks; and (3) quantifying the accumulation of new carbon stocks using radiocarbon analysis of MAOM and particulate organic matter (POM).

The project leverages the unique Woodland Creation Network, a landscape-scale chronosequence of planted and naturally regenerating woodland plots across England, established by Forest Research. This network provides a robust experimental platform for investigating how ecosystem restoration influences belowground carbon accumulation over time. The student will collaborate closely with project partners at Forest Research and Lancaster University, and will be supported by co-supervisors Prof Ian Bull and Dr Timothy Knowles in the School of Chemistry.

Fieldwork will involve sampling across various forest plots in England, followed by advanced biogeochemical laboratory analyses, including Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) 14C analysis to determine the age and stability of soil carbon pools. Comprehensive training in all relevant biochemical and analytical techniques will be provided by the supervisory team.

The studentship is open to both UK and international students, with a start date in April 2026. It includes a stipend at the current UKRI rate (£20,780 per annum), full tuition fees, and research costs. Overseas students must cover the difference between overseas and UK home fees, as well as any relocation, visa, and healthcare surcharge costs.

Applicants should have a strong background in biology, environmental science, biochemistry, ecology, or a related field, and an interest in fieldwork and biogeochemistry. For further information or informal enquiries, contact Dr Hannah Griffiths at [email protected].

To apply, use the University of Bristol application portal, select the 4-year PhD programme in Biological Sciences, and indicate 'ERC RECONNECT' in the funding section. Enter the project title and supervisor's name in the research section. A research statement is not required for this application.