Research Fellow in Biogeochemistry

Brief Job Description: Tree Immunisation Platform for Urgent Landscape-Scale Adaptation (IMPULSA) project, funded by ARIA, tests whether early-life immune engineering can accelerate the adaptive capacity of long lived trees. The project will develop an immunisation strategy for forest regeneration by configuring seedling immunity to boost survival under stress.

A Biogeochemistry Research Fellow will assess how nutrient variation and drought influence immunised and non-immunised oak seedlings grown in the Advanced Wolfson Glasshouses at the University of Birmingham under three treatments: nutrient regimes, soil water stress and elevated CO2. Across the growing season, nutrient cycling, enzyme activity and macro /micronutrient availability will be monitored using ion exchange resins, enzyme assays and bulk soil analyses. Plant tissue C:N:P ratios will indicate whether enhanced immunity is maintained without compromising growth under ambient and elevated CO₂. Drought will be imposed through controlled water limitation, with seedling responses measured via stomatal conductance, photosynthesis, water status, biomass and survival, including recovery after rewatering. The research will reveal how nutrient and drought stresses shape the growth and survival of immunised trees under current and future CO₂ conditions. 

Person specifications: A completed PhD degree in in Environmental Science, Soil Science, Plant Sciences, Biogeochemistry, Biology, Ecology or related disciplines. Be available to start full time from January/February 2027. Experience in plant-soil-air interaction studies combining plant ecology, atmospheric processes and soil science with experience in stable isotope tracing. Evidence of peer reviewed publications commensurate with career stage. Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary project team.

Application Process

Your complete application must be submitted through the applicant portal (via the above 'Apply' button). The application should include the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae
• A max two-page cover letter for the applicant vision for the selected project and how they see meeting the project requirements.
• If available, links to the scientific publications with DoIs.
• Contact details of at least two academic/professional referees who are able to provide references by November 2026 preferably. 

Informal enquiries can be made to Prof. Sami Ullah (s.ullah@bham.ac.uk)

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button above.

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