Fully Funded PhD Scholarship: Soil Fertility – University of Copenhagen- Denmark
About the University of Copenhagen
Applications are open for a PhD Soil Fertility Phosphorus Cycling Denmark position at the University of Copenhagen. The PRIME-P project investigates whether rhizosphere phosphorus cycling priming occurs in soils amended with biobased fertilisers. The Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences (PLEN) at the University of Copenhagen is a leading research institution in soil science, plant nutrition, and sustainable agriculture. The Soil Fertility and Nutrient Recycling group addresses soil fertility challenges in sustainable agriculture, with a particular focus on nutrient recycling from organic waste materials. The research facilities include modern laboratories, climate chambers and access to long-term field trials.
Scholarship Overview
Project Description
Biobased fertilisers (BBF) exist in many forms (sewage sludge, compost, animal manures etc.) with different chemical properties, elemental composition and nutrient concentrations influencing their behaviour upon addition to soil. Unlike mineral phosphate fertilisers, many BBF contain significant amounts of organic phosphorus (P) and calcium phosphate forms, which are not directly available to plants. Soil microorganisms play a crucial role in the mineralization of organic P and the solubilisation of inorganic P, making microbial-driven soil P transformations essential for plant P availability when using BBF.
The main objective of the PhD project is to assess whether rhizosphere P cycling priming occurs in soils that have received BBF. The main research questions are:
- Do labile C from root exudate promote microbial P mobilization?
- Do the addition of BBF further promote microbial P mobilization in the rhizosphere?
- Can the collected data of rhizosphere P priming be used to improve soil P modelling capacity?
Activities will include root exudate simulation development using microdialysis, soil incubations to assess the effect of root exudates on C mineralization and microbial P processing on soils amended with BBF (using isotopic techniques (33P), imaging techniques, molecular tools (microbial gene expression of organic P mineralization – PhoC and PhoD), and may include the implementation of a soil-plant model in collaboration with another team member.
Why This Scholarship Stands Out
This PhD is unique because it addresses a fundamental question in soil fertility: how root exudates “prime” soil microbes to mobilize phosphorus from organic fertilisers. The project combines cutting-edge techniques including microdialysis (to simulate root exudates), isotopic tracing (33P), and molecular tools (gene expression of PhoC and PhoD). The international collaboration involves the Swedish Agricultural University (SLU), the University of Guelph (Canada), and CSIRO (Australia). For a student interested in soil biogeochemistry and plant nutrition, this is an opportunity to work at the interface of soil biology, chemistry, and agronomy, with direct applications for sustainable agriculture.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Carry through an independent research project under supervision
- Complete PhD courses corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS
- Participate in active research environments, including a stay at other research institutions
- Teaching and knowledge dissemination activities
- Write scientific papers aimed at high-impact journals
- Write and defend a PhD thesis on the basis of your project
Candidate Profile and Eligibility
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | Master’s degree (180 ECTS BSc + 120 ECTS MSc) in Soil Science, Biogeochemistry, or related field |
| Knowledge | Strong knowledge of soil biogeochemistry processes, with special emphasis on phosphorus, soil biology and soil organic matter dynamics |
| Experience | Excellent experimental experience in laboratory work, including soil sampling and analyses, soil incubation, use of isotopic techniques, use of microdialysis |
| Skills | Ability to translate theoretical scientific questions into practical experimental designs; ability to analyse and interpret complex datasets |
| Modelling | Experience in modelling chemical transfers in soil would be an advantage |
| Personal Qualities | Ability to work independently and take initiative, strong hands-on problem-solving skills, capacity to acquire new skills |
| Language | Proficiency in spoken and written English (C1 level) |
My Application Strategy
- Highlight your soil science background – Emphasize coursework or research in soil biogeochemistry, phosphorus cycling, or soil biology
- Show laboratory experience – Soil sampling, incubation experiments, isotopic techniques, or microdialysis experience is highly valuable
- Emphasize molecular biology skills – Experience with gene expression analysis (PhoC, PhoD) is an advantage
- Demonstrate modelling interest – Experience with modelling chemical transfers in soil would be beneficial
- Submit a short reflection on research interests (max one page) – Outline how you would approach the project aims
What They Offer
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 years (full-time) |
| Start Date | August 1, 2026 |
| Location | Frederiksberg Campus, Copenhagen, Denmark |
| Research Environment | Modern laboratories, climate chambers, long-term field trials, state-of-the-art instruments |
| International Collaboration | SLU (Sweden), University of Guelph (Canada), CSIRO (Australia) |
Who Should Apply
This PhD is perfect for a student with a strong background in soil science, biogeochemistry, or plant nutrition who enjoys laboratory work and wants to understand how plants and microbes interact to cycle phosphorus in soils. If you are interested in sustainable agriculture, organic fertilisers, and the role of soil microorganisms in nutrient cycling, this project offers training in isotopic techniques, molecular tools, and microdialysis. Candidates with experience in soil incubations, isotopic tracing, or gene expression analysis are especially encouraged. The ideal candidate is someone who wants to bridge fundamental soil science with practical applications for fertiliser management.
How to Apply
Submit your application electronically by clicking APPLY NOW on the University of Copenhagen website.
Required documents (in English):
- Cover letter/motivation letter (max one page)
- Curriculum vitae (including education, experience, language skills)
- Short reflection on your research interests, experience, and how the project aims can be approached (max one page)
- Original diplomas for Bachelor and Master and transcript of records (with English translation if needed)
- A statement on AI use for the application
- Publication list (if possible)
- Contact information for two referees
Application deadline: May 15, 2026 – 23:59 GMT+2
Interviews: Week 23-24, 2026
For specific information about the PhD fellowship, contact: Assistant Professor Nelly S. Raymond (nray@plen.ku.dk) – questions only, no applicationst: Silvere Vialet-Chabrand – +31634329972 or silvere.vialet-chabrand@wur.nlnl
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