🏛️ Postdoc Researcher Position: Plant-Soil Modelling for Mycorrhizal Symbiosis – UK
🏥 About Cranfield University
Applications are open for a Postdoc Plant-Soil Modelling UK position at Cranfield University, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Environmental Sustainability Theme. This is a 12-month fixed term Research Fellow position contributing to a multi-partner international project on climate-resilient crops with improved phosphorus efficiency through beneficial fungal interactions. Cranfield University is a specialist postgraduate university with world-class expertise in soil, plant and microbial systems.
Start Date: As soon as possible
🎯 Scholarship Overview
🔗 Research Project
In many parts of the world, excessive use of phosphorus (P) fertilisers in agricultural soil has led to large-scale contamination of the environment. On the other hand, in other areas, P-deficient soils and poor access to fertilisers present a major constraint to crop production. Warmer, drier conditions resulting from climate change will exacerbate these problems, as low soil moisture reduces plant-availability of P.
This Postdoc Plant-Soil Modelling UK project will characterise plant genetic mechanisms that coordinate the interaction of mycorrhizal fungi with plant P and water status, the development of the root system, and the broader community of soil microbes.
📋 Project Partners
- Cambridge University (UK)
- Germany
- United States
Scale of work: From single gene to field evaluation
📋 Key Responsibilities
- Combine existing models of root system growth, rhizosphere processes and P uptake developed by project partners
- Develop new models of the effects and costs of mycorrhizal symbioses
- Translate plant and soil science into models using experimental results
- Collaborate across disciplines with international partners
✅ Qualifications
Required
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | Doctoral level (PhD) in Plant and Soil Science or relevant subject |
| Experience | Research in plant and soil science using qualitative and quantitative methods |
| Skills | Understanding of plant and soil science behind the project |
| Communication | Excellent oral and written communication skills |
| Collaboration | Ability to collaborate across disciplines |
Desirable
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Experience | Mathematical modelling |
| Programming | Basic-level programming |
🔬 Research Environment
Environmental Sustainability Theme combines:
- Centre for Soil, Agrifood and Biosciences (expertise in soil, plant and microbial systems across scales)
- Cranfield Environment Centre (expertise in environmental informatics and modelling)
- UK National Reference Centre for soil
Key strengths:
- More than 50 years of experience in sustainability challenges
- Natural capital management
- Future food systems
💼 What They Offer
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 12 months (Fixed Term Contract) |
| Location | Cranfield, Bedfordshire, UK |
| Salary | £37,897 per annum (full time) |
| Hours | 37 hours per week |
| Working Arrangements | Flexible on-site and remote working options |
🌟 Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Cranfield University is committed to:
- Disability Confident Employer
- Stonewall Diversity Champions Programme member
- Top 30 family friendly employers in the UK (Working Families)
- Flexible working options for each role
📝 How to Apply
For informal discussion, contact:
Professor Guy Kirk, Professor of Soil Systems
📧 g.kirk@cranfield.ac.uk
For further details:
📧 peoplerecruitment@cranfield.ac.uk
📌 Reference Number: 5271
📅 Application Deadline: May 10, 2026 – 23:59 (Europe/London)
⚠️ Please note: We reserve the right to close this advert prior to the stated closing date should we receive sufficient numbers of applications.
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