PhD Student (Research Project): This scholarship opportunity is part of an innovative project aimed at investigating the role of plant silicon (Si) in protecting natural pest control mechanisms affected by air pollution. The research will focus on improving agricultural sustainability by examining tri-trophic interactions among plants, pests, and parasitoids.
PhD Student (Research Project): SiSafe – Harnessing Plant Silicon to Safeguard Natural Pest Control under Air Pollution
Designation
PhD Student (Research Project)
Research Area
- Agricultural Sciences
- Ecology
- Environmental Science
- Plant-Pest Interactions
Location
University of Reading, Sonning Farm, UK
Eligibility/Qualification
- Applicants must have Home fee status.
- A degree in ecology, environmental science, biology, chemistry, or data science.
- Basic fieldwork, laboratory, or statistical experience is desirable.
- Enthusiasm for plant-insect interactions, air pollution effects, and sustainable agriculture is essential.
Job Description
The selected candidate will:
- Conduct field experiments to evaluate the ecological impacts of silicon and air pollutants (NOx and O3) on parasitoid foraging and pest regulation in oilseed rape.
- Utilize the Free-Air Diesel and Ozone Enrichment (FADOE) platform for realistic pollution simulations.
- Analyze chemical mechanisms affecting plant volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and tri-trophic interactions.
- Conduct a meta-analysis of existing global datasets to predict variability in air pollution effects.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should email their CV and a cover letter to James Ryalls at j.ryalls@reading.ac.uk.
Last Date for Apply
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
