Overview
Doctoral Research Fellow - FutureForests, School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham. Fixed term PhD studentship funded by the European Council (MSCA) as part of the FutureForests Doctoral Network. The position supports work by Professor Sami Ullah with a focus on soil organic carbon trade-offs for biomass carbon gain in temperate forests under elevated CO₂.
Location, Contract and Salary
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Fixed salary of £49,747; additional allowances may apply
Grade: 7 (Spot)
Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to August 2029
Closing date: 7 October 2025
UK travel may be required for this role
Background
The Birmingham Institute of Forest Research (BIFoR) and the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences seek a Doctoral Research Fellow (PhD studentship) to support FutureForests work. The project investigates trade-offs of soil organic carbon for biomass carbon gain in temperate forests under elevated atmospheric CO₂ (eCO₂) enrichment. The FutureForests programme trains 15 next‑generation scientists across Europe to address global change impacts on forests and to develop transferable career skills.
Key Objectives
1) Assess changes in soil organic matter (SOM) quantity and quality over 11 years using fractionation and NMR spectroscopy; 2) investigate soil enzyme functions and N mineralization after 10 years of eCO₂ enrichment; 3) compare SOM responses at European facilities to understand effects of eCO₂, droughts and vapour pressure deficits on SOM stocks and resilience. Complementary analyses will be conducted at partner institutions in Italy, Germany and Switzerland.
Role Summary
Plan and undertake the designated doctoral research project on trade-offs of soil organic carbon for biomass carbon gain under eCO₂; conduct field and laboratory studies on SOM dynamics, enzyme functions and nutrient cycling; coordinate with the research programme and contribute to data analysis, reporting and dissemination; contribute to writing bids and professional development; prepare PhD thesis chapters/articles by the end of the studentship.
Main Duties
Support, coordinate and lead research activity under the direction of the principal investigators for the FutureForests project.
Specific to this Doctoral Research Fellowship
* Understand the state of the art theoretical and practical aspects of the designated project on soil organic carbon trade-offs under eCO₂ at BIFoR-FACE
* Undertake field and laboratory research on SOM dynamics, enzyme functions and nutrient cycling
* Mast er access to environmental analytical instruments (e.g., spectrometry, colorimetry) for soil analysis during the secondment across Europe
* Organize, analyse and curate experimental data
* Write at least three chapters/articles for PhD thesis by contract end
Generic responsibilities
* Collect and analyse research data; prepare publications and presentations
* Disseminate findings; contribute to bids for funding
* Provide guidance to staff and visiting students; support administrative tasks related to FutureForests
* Contribute to departmental and university activities; promote equality and inclusion
Person Specification
* Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Plant Sciences, Chemistry, Biology, or related fields
* Excellent communication, self-motivation, field research aptitude, and ability to work collaboratively
* Must not hold a doctoral degree by recruitment date; must hold a Master’s by start date (Jan 2026)
* PhD enrollment during the project; available to start January 2026
* Good English proficiency; understanding of MSCA mobility rules
* Analytical capability; ability to communicate complex information; familiarity with relevant models/methods
* Interest in field and lab research, data curation, and interdisciplinary collaboration; willingness to second to European facilities
* Ability to plan, coordinate with others and manage resources; understanding of equality and inclusion requirements
Application Process
Required documents: Curriculum Vitae; max two-page cover letter detailing vision for the project and how essential criteria are met; BSc and MSc diplomas with English translations; links to publications if available; contact details for at least two referees.
Informal enquiries: Prof. Sami Ullah, s.ullah@bham.ac.uk
We are committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and to sustainability; the University holds Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. See our website for more information.
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