Future proofing British conifer forestry in response to Phytophthora ramorum

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. 

For an informal discussion about the studentship, please email Dr Carrie Brady at carrie.brady@uwe.ac.uk or Dr Anna Harris at anna.harris@forestresearch.gov.uk.

The studentship is available from 1 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.

Standard EPSRC RTSG is £4,900 over three and a half years.

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 via the Postgraduate Research: School of Applied Sciences course. When prompted use the reference number 2627-APR-CHSS01.

Application deadline

The closing date for applications is 18 November 2027.

Apply now

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.