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University of East Anglia

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PhD Studentship: Good Vibrations: Evidencing the Links Between Soil Acoustics and Soil Health University of East Anglia in United Kingdom

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Environmental Science

Funding

Available

Deadline

Dec 16, 2026

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Country

United Kingdom

University

University of East Anglia

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Keywords

Environmental Science
Agriculture
Biology
Land Management
Soil Ecology
Statistical Modelling

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About this position

[Fully funded studentship covering fees, maintenance stipend of £21,805 p.a. for 2026/27, and a research training and support grant (RTSG). Limited support is available for international applicants, with the difference between home and international fees waived by the university; relocation, visa, and health surcharge costs are not covered.]

PhD studentship at the University of East Anglia on Good Vibrations: Evidencing the Links Between Soil Acoustics and Soil Health.

This project explores an emerging area of soil ecology: using acoustics to better monitor soil biodiversity and infer soil health. Soil invertebrates are key to carbon cycling, soil aggregation, plant health, and food web dynamics, yet current biodiversity monitoring approaches can be costly and invasive. The project will investigate whether soil acoustic characteristics can be used to parameterise and calibrate relationships with soil biodiversity, and how those relationships are influenced by soil texture, structure, carbon stocks, moisture content, compaction, land management practices, and above-ground biomass.

The successful candidate will work across a portfolio of sites representing a mosaic of land-use management, crop type, and soil conditions. Training includes extensive development in field and laboratory data collection, ecological theory and applied ecology, statistical modelling, critical thinking, scientific writing, and science communication. There is also scope to develop independent research directions alongside the core objectives.

The studentship is part of ARIES and is subject to UKRI terms and conditions. Successful applicants meeting UKRI eligibility criteria will receive a fully funded studentship covering fees, a maintenance stipend of £21,805 per year for 2026/27, and a research training and support grant (RTSG). A limited number of studentships are available for international applicants, with the home/international fee difference waived by the university. However, ARIES does not cover relocation costs, visa costs, or the UK health surcharge.

Applicants should have a degree in Ecology, Environmental Sciences, or a related subject. Experience with acoustic monitoring, biodiversity surveys, R, and GIS would be advantageous. The application deadline is 16 December 2026. Applicants must apply through the University of East Anglia postgraduate research portal and complete the ARIES Equality and Diversity Form for 2027 entry after submitting their project application.

Funding details

Available

What's required

Applicants should have a degree in Ecology, Environmental Sciences, or a related subject. Experience with acoustic monitoring and biodiversity surveys is an advantage, as is familiarity with R and GIS. The project particularly suits an enthusiastic candidate with strong interest in soil ecology, field and laboratory data collection, statistical modelling, scientific writing, and science communication. Academic qualifications are considered alongside non-academic experience, with equal weighting given to experience and potential.

How to apply

Apply through the University of East Anglia postgraduate research application portal. After submitting an application for the relevant ARIES project, complete the ARIES Equality and Diversity Form for 2027 entry. If applying to more than one project, submit a separate form for each project.

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