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The University of Manchester
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FSE PhD President's Doctoral Scholarship - Sensing Soil Health: Linking Biological Indicators and Human Perceptions The University of Manchester in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Environmental Science
Funding
Available
Deadline
Dec 18, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
The University of Manchester
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About this position
This 4-year PhD studentship at The University of Manchester explores how soil health is sensed, interpreted, and communicated across biological, technological, and human systems. The project focuses on soil condition in urban environments, looking at how belowground life and emerging sensing approaches can be linked with the observations and experiences of gardeners, land managers, and communities.
The research is framed around the idea that healthy soils support food production, biodiversity, climate resilience, and ecosystem restoration, yet many of the biological processes that maintain soil health remain hidden from view. Soil organisms such as earthworms and microorganisms act as indicators of soil condition, while new environmental sensing technologies offer ways to detect processes that are otherwise difficult to observe. At the same time, people make practical decisions about soil based on their own perceptions and lived experience. This project asks how these different ways of sensing align, what each one captures, and how they can be brought together to support better soil stewardship and public engagement.
The project is part of the university’s broader Sensing the World theme and will be supervised by Dr. Sharon Zytynska. It offers an opportunity to work at the intersection of soil ecology, environmental monitoring, and science communication, with a strong emphasis on integrating biological insight with human understanding of soil condition.
The project is scheduled to start in September 2027.
Funding details
Available
What's required
Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, at least an upper second-class undergraduate honours degree (2:1), or an equivalent qualification, in Environmental Science, Ecology, Biology, Geography or a related field. Previous research experience in soil ecology, microbiome analysis, or science communication is desirable.
How to apply
Submit a formal application through the online application portal and select the FSE PhD President’s Doctoral Scholarship programme. Include the full project title, supervisor name, previous study details, referee contacts, a supporting statement, CV, and transcripts. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
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