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PhD Research Project: Grassland Carbon and Climate Change: will soil nutrients limit carbon uptake

Employer
Global Academy Jobs
Location
United Kingdom
Closing date
Jan 9, 2017

Job Details

Details

Terrestrial ecosystems are absorbing one-third of anthropogenic CO2 emissions, with this uptake being largely a result of increased plant photosynthesis and growth arising from elevated atmospheric CO2 concentrations. This extra carbon uptake represents the most important biogeochemical feedbacks limiting climate change. However, in many ecosystems worldwide, phosphorus (P) availability limits the growth of plants, but we know almost nothing of how limited P supply in soils will affect ecosystem responses to increased CO2. This Ph.D. will take advantage of a newly establish grassland CO2 enrichment experiment to determine how growth limitation by P may restrict grassland carbon uptake in a high CO2 world. Work will involve measurements of biogeochemical fluxes of carbon and nutrients, vegetation and soil sampling, and subsequent application of that data to model C:N:P interactions.

The post would suit a motivated student interested in ecosystems, climate change, and carbon/nutrient cycling, with an enthusiasm for a mix of computer based work (modeling), field and lab work.

The Ph.D. will be based in Sheffield where the grassland CO2 enrichment experiment is based, with visits to Lancaster to develop computer-based models.

Funding Notes

Fully funded for a minimum of 3.5 years, studentships cover: (i) a tax-free stipend at the standard Research Council rate (at least £14,296 per annum for 2017-2018), (ii) research costs, and (iii) tuition fees at the UK/EU rate. Studentship(s) are available to UK and EU students who meet the UK residency requirements. Students from EU countries who do not meet residency requirements may still be eligible for a fees-only award.

References

This Ph.D. project is part of the NERC funded Doctoral Training Partnership “ACCE” (Adapting to the Challenges of a Changing Environment). This is a partnership between the Universities of Sheffield, Liverpool, York and the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology.
Selection process: Shortlisting will take place as soon as possible after the closing date and successful applicants will be notified promptly. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview to take place at the University of Sheffield the w/c 13th February 2017.

Company

Global Academy Jobs works with over 250 universities worldwide to promote academic mobility and international research collaboration. Global problems need international solutions. Our jobs board and emails reach the academics and researchers who can help.

"The globalisation of higher education continues apace, driving in turn the ongoing development of the global knowledge economy, striving for solutions to the world’s problems and educating a next generation of leaders and contributors."

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