PhD Scholarship in Microbial Interactions: The School of Biology and Environmental Science at University College Dublin (UCD) invites applications for a fully funded PhD position as part of the AG-MICRO project. This exciting opportunity focuses on exploring microbial interactions to enhance sustainable agriculture through innovative research on plant-microbe and microbe-microbe interactions.
PhD Scholarship in Microbial Interactions and Sustainable Agriculture
Designation
PhD Student
Research Area
- Microbial Interactions
- Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF)
- Plant-Microbe Symbiosis
- Sustainable Agriculture
- Molecular Biology and Gene Expression
Location
School of Biology & Environmental Science,
University College Dublin (UCD),
Dublin, Ireland
Eligibility / Qualification
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Microbiology, Plant Biology, Molecular Biology, Environmental Science, or a related field
- Strong interest in microbial ecology, plant science, or symbiotic interactions
- Previous experience in laboratory techniques such as DNA/RNA/protein analysis is desirable
- Good communication skills and a willingness to participate in both lab and fieldwork
Job Description
The PhD candidate will be involved in a Research Ireland-funded project titled “AG-MICRO: Promoting Sustainable Agriculture through Microbe-Microbe and Microbe-Plant Interactions.” The research aims to investigate how interactions between bacteria and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) influence crop health and productivity. The student will:
- Study molecular mechanisms of AMF-bacteria-plant interactions
- Conduct laboratory experiments involving DNA, RNA, and protein work
- Perform plant growth experiments and field studies
- Join Dr. Olga Lastovetsky’s Microbial Interactions Lab and collaborate with a dynamic research community at UCD
How to Apply
Interested candidates must complete the following two steps:
- Send a single PDF including:
- Brief CV
- One-page motivation letter (highlighting research interests and goals)
- Contact details of two referees
Email to: olga.lastovetsky@ucd.ie
- Fill out the online application form:
https://forms.gle/VXhAVEIBBL2285U7
Last Date to Apply
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled
Start Date
May or September 2025 (flexible)
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