About the Project
An exciting fully-funded PhD studentship is available to investigate how British conifer forests can become more resilient to Phytophthora ramorum , an invasive pathogen that has caused extensive mortality in commercial larch plantations. The successful candidate will undertake research exploring the biology, ecology and evolution of Phytophthora ramorum . Combining fieldwork, experimental plant pathology and genomic analysis, they will examine interactions between the pathogen, its hosts and…
the environment, while exploring how these relationships may influence future disease risk and management strategies.
The studentship offers interdisciplinary training and transferable skills in forest pathology, plant–pathogen interactions, experimental design, field sampling, quarantine laboratory techniques, qPCR, population genetics, data analysis and scientific communication. The successful candidate will be based predominantly at Forest Research (Alice Holt) while also spending time at UWE Bristol to engage with researchers and access specialist expertise. Experimental work will be undertaken in licensed quarantine facilities at Forest Research’s Holt Laboratory and UWE Bristol’s Lab Zone, alongside field studies in forests.
We welcome applications from motivated graduates (preferably a Masters degree) with a strong background in plant pathology, microbiology, forestry, ecology, genomics or a related discipline. Experience in fieldwork, molecular techniques, plant-microbe interactions or bioinformatics are desirable. Applicants should have a high level of proficiency in written and spoken English, excellent communication skills, a curiosity and motivation for scientific research and a positive team spirit. This project will suit an organised individual who enjoys combining laboratory, field and computational research to address an urgent challenge for tree health and sustainable forestry.
The studentship is available from 01 April 2027 for a period of three and a half years, subject to satisfactory progress and includes a tax-exempt stipend, which is currently £21,805 (2026/2027) per annum (based on UKRI rates increasing by 3 % each year).
In addition, full-time tuition fees will be covered for up to three and a half years. Please note, only UK applicants are eligible for this studentship.
For an informal discussion about the studentship, please email Dr Carrie Brady (carrie.brady@uwe.ac.uk) or Dr Anna Harris (anna.harris@forestresearch.gov.uk).
Applicants must have…
Required skills
- Good honours BSc degree (2.1 or equivalent) in plant pathology, microbiology, forestry, ecology, genomics or a related discipline
- High level of proficiency in written and spoken English
- Excellent organisational and communication skills
- A curiosity and motivation for scientific research
Desirable skills
- Master’s degree in research in plant pathology, microbiology, forestry, ecology, genomics or a related discipline
- Experience in fieldwork, molecular techniques, plant-microbe interactions or bioinformatics
Please submit your application online. When prompted use the reference 2627-APR-CHSS01
Closing date for applications is 18-11-2026.
Supporting documentation
References
Please provide details of two referees
Interview dates
Interviews are expected to take place in the first two weeks of December. If you have not heard from us by the end of December, we thank you for your application but on this occasion you have not been successful.
Funding Notes
The studentship is available from 01/04/2027 for a period of 3.5 years, subject to satisfactory progress and includes a tax-exempt stipend, which is currently £21,805 per annum for the 26/27 academic year.
Standard EPSRC RTSG is £4,900 over 3.5 years.