Project Overview
About the Position
This ARIES project at Earlham Institute investigates how long grassland fungal communities take to recover after disturbance.
It combines soil ecology with sequencing and collaboration with Rothamsted Research.
Official Project Title
How long do grassland fungi take to recover after disturbance
Research Focus and Methods
Sample sites in Norfolk, Hertfordshire and Devon along disturbance-history gradients. Combine fungal metabarcoding with soil chemistry and bacterial comparisons, then examine roots, rhizosphere and bulk soil for a shared grass species.
Research Training and Development
Develop linked field, laboratory and bioinformatics skills.
Funding and Duration
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Award | PhD studentship; selection is competitive |
| Programme | NERC ARIES |
| Duration | Four years |
| Stipend | UKRI-rate living stipend; a project-specific numeric amount is not stated on the Earlham advert. |
| Tuition and research support | Advertised as a funded four-year NERC ARIES doctorate, with tuition-fee and stipend support under programme rules. |
| Award conditions | Selection is competitive; an advertised project does not guarantee a studentship. |
| International tuition | ARIES partners cover the difference between UK and international tuition fees. Visa and immigration health surcharge costs are not covered by ARIES funding. |
Eligibility and English Language
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Applicant eligibility | UK and international applicants may compete for ARIES awards, with international recruitment subject to the programme cap. |
| Academic preparation | Meet the relevant ARIES and registering-university doctoral entry requirements; the Earlham page does not specify a grade threshold. |
| Project interests and skills | A degree in ecology, microbiology, environmental science or a related area is identified as suitable; reference HALL_EI_ARIES27. |
| English language | Meet the host university’s English-language admission rules. An approved alternative or exemption may apply; IELTS is not universally mandatory. |
About Earlham Institute
Earlham Institute is a life sciences research institute based at Norwich Research Park in England. Its research focuses on genomics and computational biology, using experimental and analytical approaches to understand living systems. The institute supports scientific collaboration, specialist technology and researcher training, connecting biological data with questions across diverse organisms.
Official website: https://www.earlham.ac.uk/
Application Dates and Location
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Application deadline | 16 December 2026 |
| Start date | 1 October 2027 |
| Research location | Norwich, United Kingdom |
Contact
- Email: neil.hall@earlham.ac.uk
- Email: rowena.hill@earlham.ac.uk
- Email: mark.mcmullan@earlham.ac.uk
Questions about this position, eligibility or the application process should be sent to the contacts above or raised through the channel given on the official announcement page.
Important Notes
- Application deadline: 16 December 2026 - late or incomplete applications are normally not considered.
- Listing details were recorded from the official source at the time of publication; always confirm the latest requirements on the official page before applying.
- Prepare the documents listed in the eligibility and application sections before starting the online form - transcripts, CV and references take the longest to collect.
How to Apply
- Follow the Apply link on the Earlham project page for the ARIES route.
- Use the project reference when contacting the supervisor or preparing the application.
- Check the current host-university checklist for academic records, statements, references and language evidence.
Use the ARIES route linked from the Earlham advert. Do not use an Essex-specific submission email for this Earlham project. Consult the registering university’s current checklist.
Supervisors and Contact
| Supervisor | Role | |
|---|---|---|
| Professor Neil Hall | Primary Supervisor | neil.hall@earlham.ac.uk |
| Dr Rowena Hill | Co-supervisor | rowena.hill@earlham.ac.uk |
| Dr Mark McMullan | Co-supervisor | mark.mcmullan@earlham.ac.uk |
Application Preparation
For application preparation, see How to Email a PhD Supervisor: 7 Templates and Practical Tips, Is a PhD Funded for International Students? How to Check the Advert and How to Read a PhD Job Advert: Funding, Eligibility and Application Steps.
Official Link
- Official project description
- Official partner summary of ARIES funding and international eligibility
- Professor Neil Hall: official profile
- Dr Rowena Hill: official profile
- Dr Mark McMullan: official profile
2026/27 UKRI reference rate: the minimum UKRI doctoral stipend is £21,805 per year, tax-free (London institutions +£2,000), effective 1 October 2026.
Application guides
Frequently asked questions
Drawn from this listing's own record. Always confirm the details on the official source before applying.
What is the deadline for PhD in Grassland Fungal Recovery after Disturbance at Earlham Institute, UK?
The application deadline is 16 December 2026. Applications received after that date are not considered, so treat it as a hard cut-off and leave time for references and transcripts. Closing time not specified — confirm with the provider before you leave it until the last day: the source gives neither a closing time nor a time zone.
Is PhD in Grassland Fungal Recovery after Disturbance at Earlham Institute, UK fully funded?
This is a fully funded award: tuition is covered and a living stipend is provided for the duration of the programme. Covered.
Who is eligible to apply for PhD in Grassland Fungal Recovery after Disturbance at Earlham Institute, UK?
This opportunity is open to applicants worldwide. Host-country status is not a requirement, although you must still satisfy the visa rules for United Kingdom. Applications are assessed by Earlham Institute.
How do I apply for PhD in Grassland Fungal Recovery after Disturbance at Earlham Institute, UK?
Applications for PhD in Grassland Fungal Recovery after Disturbance at Earlham Institute, UK are submitted directly to Earlham Institute through the provider's own application portal — use the Apply button on this page to open it. NextApply does not process applications or charge a fee.
Is an English proficiency test required for PhD in Grassland Fungal Recovery after Disturbance at Earlham Institute, UK?
Yes — an English-language certificate is required for this listing. Check the exact band expected on the official source, since it can differ by programme. Requirements for United Kingdom are published by the provider.
What study level does PhD in Grassland Fungal Recovery after Disturbance at Earlham Institute, UK offer?
This listing is offered at PhD level. That describes the qualification on offer, not a credential you must already hold — check the provider's stated entry requirements before applying.
Hosted by
Earlham Institute
Earlham Institute is a life sciences research institute based at Norwich Research Park in England. Its research focuses on genomics and computational biology, using experimental and analytical approaches to understand living systems. The institute supports scientific collaboration, specialist technology and researcher training, connecting biological data with questions across diverse organisms.
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