Lecturer in Microbial Ecology/Microbiology

About the role

The University of Plymouth invites applications for the role of Lecturer in Soil Microbial Ecology or Soil Microbiology based within the interdisciplinary and impact-focused Centre for Research excellence in Intelligent and Sustainable Productive Systems (CRISPS). This post offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to our growing focus on soil health, particularly in the context of sustainable and regenerative agricultural systems in the UK’s rural Southwest.

As a Lecturer, you will contribute to CRISPS’ overarching aim to improve agricultural productivity while reducing environmental harm. Your expertise in soil microbial communities and their role in ecosystem services will complement our work on climate-resilient systems, resource-efficient practices, and biodiversity-rich landscapes.

This role directly supports CRISPS' Soil Health theme, which focuses on the microbial and biochemical processes that underpin nutrient cycling, plant-soil interactions, carbon sequestration, and agroecosystem sustainability.

About CRISPS

CRISPS is a vibrant, interdisciplinary research centre addressing the environmental, social, and economic challenges of 21st-century agriculture. We work across scales — from soil microbiomes to supply chains — to shape systems that are productive, resilient, and regenerative. Our partnerships with farmers, land managers and owners, agri-tech innovators, conservation groups, and policymakers ensure that our research delivers real-world impact. Further details about CRISPS can be found at: www.plymouth.ac.uk/research/sustainable-productive-systems

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct internationally excellent research on soil microbial ecology or soil microbiology, focusing on the relationships between microbial communities and agroecosystem function.
• Lead and collaborate on projects that contribute to CRISPS’ Soil Health goals, including soil fertility, carbon dynamics, and resilience to environmental stressors.
• Engage with partners across agriculture, policy, and conservation to co-design research and foster knowledge exchange in regenerative land management.
• Teach undergraduate and postgraduate modules in soil science, biochemistry and environmental microbiology, and supervise student research projects.

About you

You will hold a PhD in Soil Microbial Ecology, Soil Microbiology, Environmental Microbiology, Agroecology, or a related discipline. You’ll have a developing or established research profile with evidence of publication and funding success, and a commitment to making a tangible difference through your work.

Essential expertise includes:

• Microbial processes in soil-plant systems
• Soil biodiversity and ecosystem function
• Sustainable agriculture and regenerative farming practices

Experience in cross-sector collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and interdisciplinary research is highly valued.

Why Plymouth?

• Join a research centre committed to shaping climate-resilient, ecologically sound food systems.
• Work in one of the UK’s most ecologically diverse agricultural regions, with access to research farms, field sites, and strong rural partnerships.
• Be part of a supportive academic environment with opportunities for career development and innovation-led research.

Due to the nature of the role, unfortunately we are unable to accommodate working from home.

For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then please contact Jennifer Rowntree: by email at jennifer.rowntree@plymouth.ac.uk

Anticipated interview date:  Friday 23^rd January 2026

Our Offer

When joining us, you will receive:

• Generous annual leave: 35 Days Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays & Closure Days

Closing date:  12 midnight, Sunday 4 January 2026

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