Two Fully Funded PhD Positions: Water Use in Tree-Based Agricultural Systems – Newcastle University, UK
Quick Overview
Newcastle University is offering two fully funded PhD positions (3.5 years each) as part of the ERC-funded TIF-CER project. PhD1 will investigate mechanisms driving water use in tree-based agricultural systems across contrasting environmental and agroclimatic contexts. PhD2 will examine the wildlife connectivity potential of tree-based agricultural systems. Both positions involve international fieldwork across the UK, Italy, Philippines, Tanzania, Chile, and Tunisia.
Key Details
| Positions | Two PhD Researchers |
| Projects | 1) Water Use in Tree-Based Agricultural Systems, 2) Wildlife Connectivity Potential |
| Institution | Newcastle University (TROPS Lab) |
| Location | Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (with international fieldwork) |
| Qualification | MSc in Ecology, Environmental Science, Hydrology, Agricultural Systems, or related discipline |
| Duration | 3.5 years each |
| Start Date | Spring 2027 |
| Funding | Fully funded (ERC Advanced Investigator Grant) |
| Apply Via | Newcastle University application portal |
| Contact | Prof. Marion Pfeifer |
About the TIF-CER Project
The research forms part of the ERC-funded TIF-CER project awarded to Prof. Marion Pfeifer: From Forests to Fields to Sustainable Rural Landscapes: A Multiscale Framework for Quantifying Biodiversity and Climate Interrelationships. TIF-CER is establishing an international network of field plots across contrasting agroclimatic zones in the UK, Italy, Philippines, Tanzania, Chile, and Tunisia. The project will work with local partners and research teams, providing opportunities for international collaboration and fieldwork.
Trees are increasingly being incorporated into agricultural landscapes to provide shade, improve soils, support biodiversity, store carbon, and protect farms from climate extremes. However, we know surprisingly little about how trees affect water availability and wildlife movement in these systems. This research program addresses these critical knowledge gaps.
PhD Position 1: Mechanisms Driving Water Use in Tree-Based Agricultural Systems
Project Overview
This PhD will investigate the mechanisms driving water use by trees in tree-based agricultural systems (TIFs) across contrasting environmental and agroclimatic contexts. The consequences of tree planting for water availability depend strongly on tree characteristics, root and canopy systems, soil conditions, climate, and the spatial configuration of trees within farming systems.
Research Questions
- How does tree morphology and canopy structure influence water use?
- How do tree traits interact with tree density, configuration, soil, and climate to determine water availability?
- How does water use vary between young and mature tree-based systems and between different types of tree-based agriculture?
- What proportion of water used by trees is derived from different soil depths and water sources?
- Can aboveground tree morphology be used to predict belowground water use and root-zone water dynamics?
- Can mechanistic models be used to predict how different tree-based farming systems influence water stress and water availability under future climates?
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct intensive in-situ field measurements in selected sites of the TIF-CER field network
- Deploy sap-flow sensors to quantify individual tree water use
- Measure radiation and microclimate variables
- Use stable isotope analysis (δ18O and δ2H) of rainfall, soil water, and plant water
- Calibrate mechanistic models using field measurements
- Explore scenarios including changes in tree density, configuration, and climate
Training Provided
- Field ecology and environmental monitoring
- Deployment of soil-moisture, sap-flow, and microclimate sensors
- Stable isotope ecology using δ18O and δ2H
- Statistical modelling of high-frequency environmental and physiological data
- Remote sensing and spatial analysis
Candidate Profile
Essential:
- Good degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Hydrology, Agricultural Systems, or related discipline
- Experience in experimental and field-based research
- Experience in quantitative analysis and data interpretation using R
- Willingness to undertake fieldwork in contrasting environmental conditions
Advantageous:
- Environmental sensor deployment
- Stable isotope analysis
- GIS or remote sensing
- Process-based environmental modelling
PhD Position 2: Wildlife Connectivity Potential of Tree-Based Agricultural Systems
Project Overview
This PhD will investigate the wildlife connectivity potential of tree-based agricultural systems. Agricultural expansion and intensification are major drivers of habitat fragmentation and biodiversity loss. Yet agricultural landscapes are not necessarily biodiversity deserts. Trees retained or planted within farms may provide habitat, food resources, and movement pathways for wildlife.
Research Questions
- How do tree density, morphology, age, and spatial configuration influence wildlife habitat and connectivity?
- Do different types of TIFs (e.g., scattered trees, tree belts, riparian systems, agroforestry lines) differ in their connectivity potential?
- How does the connectivity of TIFs vary for species and functional groups with different habitat requirements and movement strategies?
- How does the surrounding agricultural landscape influence the ability of wildlife to move through TIFs?
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct standardized biodiversity monitoring across the TIF-CER field network
- Use camera trapping, bird point counts, and acoustic monitoring
- Collect environmental DNA and other wildlife survey data
- Collect detailed movement data from selected bird species in the Philippines
- Use genome sequencing to investigate population genetic structure and gene flow
- Develop spatial models of wildlife connectivity using circuit theory and resistance-surface modelling
Training Provided
- Understanding habitat fragmentation, ecological networks, and connectivity
- Wildlife monitoring: Camera trapping, acoustic monitoring
- Animal movement ecology: GPS tracking, habitat selection
- Spatially explicit modelling
- Remote sensing: UAV and Sentinel satellite data
- Conservation genomics
Candidate Profile
Essential:
- Good degree in Wildlife Ecology, Conservation Biology, Landscape Ecology, Spatial Ecology, or related discipline
- Experience in field-based research
- Experience in quantitative analysis and data interpretation using R
Advantageous:
- Wildlife survey methods or camera trapping
- GIS and spatial analysis
- R or other programming languages
- Remote sensing
- Landscape connectivity modelling
What They Offer
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3.5 years each |
| Start Date | Spring 2027 |
| Location | Newcastle upon Tyne, UK |
| Fieldwork | International sites (UK, Italy, Philippines, Tanzania, Chile, Tunisia) |
| Funding | Fully funded (ERC Advanced Investigator Grant) |
| Training | Comprehensive interdisciplinary training |
Application Tips
- Identify which position fits your background – Review both project descriptions carefully.
- Highlight relevant experience – Emphasize field research, quantitative analysis, and any specific skills mentioned.
- Express willingness for international fieldwork – The project involves travel to multiple countries.
- Demonstrate R proficiency – Essential for both positions.
- Apply through the Newcastle University portal – Follow the official application process.
Apply Now
Apply through the Newcastle University application portal.
Start Date: Spring 2027
Contact: Prof. Marion Pfeifer (TROPS Lab, Newcastle University)
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the two positions? 1) Water Use in Tree-Based Agricultural Systems, 2) Wildlife Connectivity Potential.
- What is the duration? 3.5 years each.
- What is the start date? Spring 2027.
- Is fieldwork required? Yes, international fieldwork in multiple countries.
- What training is provided? Comprehensive training in field methods, modelling, and analysis.
Related Opportunities
More PhD Positionsication portal.
PhD Water Soil Quality | Southern Illinois University
PhD Insect Ecology | University of Würzburg
Add Agri Opportunities as a preferred source on Google to see latest agricultural academic job listings first.
