[School of Natural Sciences PhD Scholarships] What makes an invasive? Plant-soil-feedback in Rhododendron ponticum spread across the UK

About the project

About the Project Invasive species are a leading cause of ecological damage globally and are one of the five direct drivers of biodiversity loss, contributing to ~60% of documented plant and animal extinctions. In the UK, invasive species such as Rhododendron ponticum cost the UK over £4 billion annually, but we know little about the mechanisms that make them invasive or their effects on key ecological processes. This project proposes to employ complementary approaches to provide this innovative mechanistic understanding: 1) Using transects of increasing population density of Rhododendron invaded grasslands, forests and heathlands, we will test the hypothesis that strong plant-soil-feedback generated by Rhododendron prevent native species from establishing, perpetuate population-growth of the invasive and substantially alter carbon cycling processes. This will be achieved by testing how plant and microbial communities as well as soil properties change across these transects. 2) In parallel, pot experiments will aim to disentangle the role that both litter chemistry and the microbial communities associated with Rhododendron, play in directly and indirectly driving these feedbacks. Overall, this project will provide a greater understanding of how economically significant invasive species can take hold in UK habitats altering key biogeochemical cycles, and help to inform control of invasive spread. The project links biodiversity loss and carbon storage/climate change, with relevance to future policy around land management. Student Training: The successful student will join the dynamic Soil and Ecosystem Ecology lab at Manchester, enabling access to broad expertise across the group and world class facilities in plant, soil and microbial analyses. The student will gain experience in field and pot-based experimental design, a suite of soil analyses techniques including py-GCMS, enzyme activities and carbon and nutrient cycling, and molecular techniques to identify microbial communities associated with Rhododendron populations. The student will additionally develop plant survey techniques and receive training in key ecological statistical methods through internal and, where appropriate, externally provided courses. The student will have the opportunity to present their work at group-wide lab meetings and international conferences. This project is expected to start in September 2027. Before you apply: We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this project before you apply. How to apply: To be considered for this project you must complete a formal application through our online application portal. If you already have an applicant account this link will directly open an application for PhD School of Natural Sciences Scholarships . If you don’t already have an applicant account, please follow the instructions here . When applying, please specify the full title and supervisor/s of the project, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees. You must also upload a Supporting Statement describing your motivation to apply to the project, your CV and transcripts of awarded and in-progress university qualifications . Please note late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester and central to all our activities. A diverse research community strengthens creativity, productivity and quality, while increasing the societal and economic impact of our work. We welcome applicants from all career paths, backgrounds and sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation or transgender status. We welcome applications from candidates returning to study after a career break or experience in other roles. Flexible study arrangements may be available, including part-time study at 50%, 60% or 80%, subject to the requirements of the project and funder. Eligibility : The standard academic entry requirement for this PhD is an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree (or international equivalent) in Biological Sciences or a related subject OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master’s degree at merit (or international equivalent) in Biological Sciences or a related subject Previous research experience in plant-soil interactions is desirable. This project will remain open until filled. If your application is submitted by 1 st November 2026, you can expect a decision by 18 th December 2026. If your application is submitted by 15 th January 2027, you can expect a decision by 30 th March 2027. Self or externally funded students can also be considered for this project. FSESoNS

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