We offer a range of PhDs funded by different sources, such as research councils, industries or charities. As a PhD student, you will become a valued member of a research group. Here you will work with internationally respected academics, post-doctoral research associates and technicians. Find out more about our research groups below.
How to Apply
To apply for a funded PhD please read the advertised project information carefully as requirements will vary between funders. The project information will include details of funding eligibility, application deadline dates and links to application forms. Only applicants who have a relevant background and meet the funding criteria can be considered.
Current PhD Opportunities
Current PhD Opportunities List accordion
Recent discoveries have revealed that grassland plants form symbioses with a much broader range of fungi than previously thought, notably Mucoromycotina ‘fine root endophytes’ (MFRE), which co-occur alongside more commonly described arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. This exciting project seeks to disentangle the roles of both MFRE and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in providing key ecosystem functions and resilience to grasslands. The project will use a suite a cutting-edge technologies applied to field, greenhouse and laboratory experiments to advance our understanding of the diversity and function of these ‘hidden’ root-associated fungal networks. The PhD project will be led from Lancaster University as part of a prestigious Royal Society Faraday Discovery Fellowship led by Professor Katie Field at the University of Sheffield and in collaboration with Silvia Pressel at the Natural History Museum in London, offering superb opportunities for training and development, and interaction with a large team of scientists across institutions.
Studentship funding
Full studentships (UK tuition fees and stipend (£20,780 2025/26 [tax free])) for UK students for 3.5 years. Unfortunately, funding is not available to cover fees for non-UK students.
Dates
Deadline for applications: 1 February 2026
Start Date: October 2026
For further details, please contact Professor David Johnson at Lancaster Environment Centre.
Rename the referee form with your ‘Name and Reference’, e.g., Joe Bloggs Reference. Send the renamed reference form to two referees and request them to forward the referee document to d.johnson18@lancaster.ac.ukPlease note only Word or pdf files are accepted. It is important that you ensure references are submitted by the closing date or as soon as possible.
You will receive a generic acknowledgement in receipt of successfully sending the application documents.
Please note that only applications submitted as per these instructions will be considered.
Please note that, if English is not your first language, you will be required to provide evidence of your proficiency in English. This evidence is only required if you are offered a funded PhD and is not required as part of this application process.
Please note that, if you do not hear from us within four weeks of the closing date then you have been unsuccessful on this occasion. If you would like feedback on your application, please contact the supervisors of the project.
Professor Jess Davies (Centre for Sustainable Soils, LEC), Professor David Johnson (Ecology, LEC), Professor John Quinton (Environmental Science, Centre for Sustainable Soils, LEC) and Will Rundle (NexusRegen)
Project Description
Every year, millions of tonnes of soil are excavated from UK construction sites and large volumes ends up in landfill. Soil makes up nearly 60% of all materials sent to landfill in the UK, making construction one of the nation’s biggest drivers of soil degradation, with consequences for biodiversity, greenhouse gas emissions, climate resilience, and water resources.
This PhD will explore how we can reduce soil disturbance, increase re-use and prevent loss to landfill. Working with and supported by leading soil scientists and industry partners, you will analyse how soils move through the construction sector, measure how their quality changes during handling, and assess how re-used soils perform once re-installed at new sites. Using a mix of data analysis, fieldwork, and lab studies, you’ll help design practical strategies for a more circular and sustainable construction industry – turning waste into a valued resource and helping shape better policy and practice for the future.
General eligibility criteria
Enthusiasm, independence, self-motivation, curiosity and the ability to communicate to a range of audiences are all distinctly advantageous qualities for a PhD. Applicants would normally be expected to hold a minimum of a UK Honours degree at 2:1 level or equivalent in a relevant degree course. However, applicants who have gained experience in relevant fields through non-traditional routes are strongly encouraged to apply. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian or Ethnic Minorities candidates, candidates who are in the first generation of their family to go to university, candidates who have been in care or who have been a young carer, and candidates from a low-income background.
The ideal candidate will have an interest in sustainable soils, construction and/or circular economy disciplines. A broad range of environmental and engineering academic and industry backgrounds will be considered. The project will involve quantitative analysis, field and laboratory work. Experience in these areas is an advantage.
Studentship funding
A tax-free stipend will be paid at the standard UKRI rate. This is a fully funded studentship of 3.5 years for UK/Home students.
Enquiries
Interested applicants are welcome to get in touch to learn more about the PhD project. Please contact Professor Jess Davies, jess.davies@lancaster.ac.uk for more information.
Rename the referee form with your ‘Name and Reference’, e.g., Joe Bloggs Reference. Send the renamed reference form to two referees and request them to forward the referee document to lec.pgr.applications@lancaster.ac.uk
Please note only Word or pdf files are accepted. It is important that you ensure references are submitted by the closing date or as soon as possible.
You will receive a generic acknowledgement in receipt of successfully sending the application documents.
Please note that only applications submitted as per these instructions will be considered.
Please note that, if English is not your first language, you will be required to provide evidence of your proficiency in English. This evidence is only required if you are offered a funded PhD and is not required as part of this application process.
Please note that, if you do not hear from us within four weeks of the closing date then you have been unsuccessful on this occasion. If you would like feedback on your application, please contact the supervisors of the project.
Kourmouli, A. , Winter, G., Andrews, K., Cory, T., Elliott, P., Palmer, E., Stevens, P., Davies, J., Stevens, C. and Quinton, J. N. (2024). Potential for a Soil Reuse and Storage system in England. Lancaster: Lancaster University 10.5281/zenodo.10943857
Dr Alex Bush (Ecology, Lancaster Environment Centre) and Professor Rachel McCrea (School of Mathematical Sciences)
Project Description
The UK’s degraded landscapes demand large-scale ecological restoration, yet assessing success is difficult due to ecosystem complexity, natural variability, and long recovery times. Multiple new monitoring technologies—such as remote sensing, AI-based image analysis, and acoustic monitoring—offer rich but diverse data at varying resolution, spatial or temporal scales, and costs. To demonstrate the reward for restoration investments, but at a cost that doesn’t threaten the project’s viability, a key challenge is to design statistically robust and adaptive monitoring programs that integrates these heterogeneous data sources to track multiple indicators of ecosystem recovery. Ultimately, it must not only detect when restoration succeeds, but also reveal how and why outcomes differ, providing feedback to improve restoration strategies. This project will suit a candidate with a passion for Nature, and a razor-sharp focus on data quality – for we cannot afford to waste further time and opportunities to begin the recovery.
General eligibility criteria
Enthusiasm, independence, self-motivation, curiosity and the ability to communicate to a range of audiences are all distinctly advantageous qualities for a PhD. Applicants would normally be expected to hold a minimum of a UK Honours degree at 2:1 level or equivalent in a relevant degree course. However, applicants who have gained experience in relevant fields through non-traditional routes are strongly encouraged to apply. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian or Ethnic Minorities candidates, candidates who are in the first generation of their family to go to university, candidates who have been in care or who have been a young carer, and candidates from a low-income background.
The ideal candidate will be motivated by a deep interest in ecological and environmental concepts, will have some experience coding, and like working on Data Science problems. Further experience in statistics or maths would be desirable, but not essential, and likewise no particular background in ecology or environmental science is required.
Studentship funding
A tax-free stipend will be paid at the standard UKRI rate. This is a fully funded studentship of 3.5 years for UK/Home students.
Enquiries
Interested applicants are welcome to get in touch to learn more about the PhD project. Please contact Alex Bush (alex.bush@lancaster.ac.uk) for more information.
Rename the referee form with your ‘Name and Reference’, e.g., Joe Bloggs Reference. Send the renamed reference form to two referees and request them to forward the referee document to lec.pgr.applications@lancaster.ac.uk
Please note only Word or pdf files are accepted. It is important that you ensure references are submitted by the closing date or as soon as possible.
You will receive a generic acknowledgement in receipt of successfully sending the application documents.
Please note that only applications submitted as per these instructions will be considered.
Please note that, if English is not your first language, you will be required to provide evidence of your proficiency in English. This evidence is only required if you are offered a funded PhD and is not required as part of this application process.
Please note that, if you do not hear from us within four weeks of the closing date then you have been unsuccessful on this occasion. If you would like feedback on your application, please contact the supervisors of the project.
Bush, A., Simpson, K. H., & Hanley, N. (2024). Systematic nature positive markets. Conservation Biology, 38, e14216. https://doi.org/10.1111/cobi.14216
Giakoumi, Sylvaine et al. Advances in systematic conservation planning to meet global biodiversity goals, Trends in Ecology & Evolution, Volume 40, Issue 4, 395 – 410 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tree.2024.12.002
This project is part of the NorthWest Bio Doctoral Landscape Award funded by the BBSRC. Details on the programme can be found here: FindAPhD. Deadline for applications: 4 January 2026.
Climate change is threatening the quantity and quality of our crops. A growing body of evidence suggests that critical macro- and micro-nutrients will decline as [CO2] and temperatures rise. Yet these studies have so far only focused on dominant global crops with little photosynthetic variation. This PhD project will investigate photosynthetic diversity of lesser studied subsistence crops and quantify the nutritional profile of each crops’ edible tissues in detail. As part of these studies, the student will develop and apply a high-throughput mass spectrometry plant nutrient workflow. The student will then undertake a series of experiments to grow photosynthetically diverse plants under a range of temperature and CO2 treatment to determine how these factors influence crop nutrients in different photosynthetic backgrounds.
To achieve the goals of the project, the student will train in plant phenotyping of leaf anatomy, biochemistry, and physiology and establish a high-throughput mass spectrometry plant nutrient workflow. The student will gain valuable skills in fundamental research, experimental design, and translational research, as well as transferable skills in written, verbal, and aesthetic science communication.
Enthusiasm, independence, self-motivation, curiosity, and the ability to communicate to a range of audiences are advantageous qualities for a PhD. Applicants would normally be expected to hold a minimum of a UK Honours degree at 2:1 level or international equivalent in a relevant degree course. A Master’s degree is desirable but not essential. Applicants who have gained experience in relevant fields through non-traditional routes are strongly encouraged to apply. We welcome applications from Black, Asian or Ethnic Minorities candidates, candidates who are in the first generation of their family to go to university, candidates who have been in care or who have been a young carer, and candidates from a low-income background. English language requirements for overseas students
Application process
Applications for NorthWestBio projects are made via the programme portal, and are not made directly to Lancaster. Please see the full application and eligibility details via the programme website: FindAPhD.
Funding Notes
For full funding details, including stipends, research support, and details around placements, please visit the programme website: FindAPhD.
This project is part of the NorthWest Bio Doctoral Landscape Award funded by the BBSRC. Details on the programme can be found here: FindAPhD. Deadline for applications: 4 January 2026.
A fascinating feature of root-associated mycorrhizal fungi is their ability to colonise multiple individual plants simultaneously forming “common mycorrhizal networks”. These networks are crucial for acquisition and distribution of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and water, and in regulating defence against insect herbivores. However, our knowledge of the extent and function of fungal networks in nature, and their role in providing resilience for plant communities against external pressure such as drought and herbivory are poorly resolved. Therefore, the overarching aim of this project is to understand the extent, ubiquity and function of common mycorrhizal networks in grazed grasslands, and how they influence plant-herbivore pest interactions and resilience against drought.
The student will establish a series of field experiments where the formation of common mycorrhizal networks is manipulated, and impose additional treatments comprising insect herbivory and drought. This interdisciplinary project will provide training and experience in several cutting-edge techniques and disciplines including molecular biology, isotope tracers, soil biochemistry, animal, plant and fungal ecology. The project will generate new understanding of how grazed grasslands function, and will open-up opportunities for careers in academia, conservation agencies and agri-food sectors.
Enthusiasm, independence, self-motivation, curiosity, and the ability to communicate to a range of audiences are advantageous qualities for a PhD. Applicants would normally be expected to hold a minimum of a UK Honours degree at 2:1 level or international equivalent in a relevant degree course. A Master’s degree is desirable but not essential. Applicants who have gained experience in relevant fields through non-traditional routes are strongly encouraged to apply. We welcome applications from Black, Asian or Ethnic Minorities candidates, candidates who are in the first generation of their family to go to university, candidates who have been in care or who have been a young carer, and candidates from a low-income background. English language requirements for overseas students
Application process
Applications for NorthWestBio projects are made via the programme portal, and are not made directly to Lancaster. Please see the full application and eligibility details via the programme website: FindAPhD.
Funding Notes
For full funding details, including stipends, research support, and details around placements, please visit the programme website: FindAPhD.
This project is part of the NorthWest Bio Doctoral Landscape Award funded by the BBSRC. Details on the programme can be found here: FindAPhD. Deadline for applications: 4 January 2026.
Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by eukaryotic Leishmania spp. parasites that are transmitted by sand flies. Like all vector-borne-diseases, transmission is extremely temperature-sensitive and therefore is expected to be impacted by ongoing and future climate change. We are looking for a PhD student who will help advance our understanding of how temperature drives population dynamics of Lutzomyia sand flies and their transmission of Leishmania parasites using a combination of lab experiments and mathematical modelling.
The student will collect experimental data on life history traits of Lutzomyia longipalpis sand flies at different temperatures and use these data to build models for sand fly population dynamics and transmission of Leishmania parasites. Ideal candidates will have a background in experimental biology, a strong interest in public health or infectious disease biology/ecology, and an interest in learning mathematical modelling. The student will be primarily based at Lancaster University, with a co-supervisor located at Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland (James Hutton Institute).
Enthusiasm, independence, self-motivation, curiosity, and the ability to communicate to a range of audiences are advantageous qualities for a PhD. Applicants would normally be expected to hold a minimum of a UK Honours degree at 2:1 level or international equivalent in a relevant degree course. A Master’s degree is desirable but not essential. Applicants who have gained experience in relevant fields through non-traditional routes are strongly encouraged to apply. We welcome applications from Black, Asian or Ethnic Minorities candidates, candidates who are in the first generation of their family to go to university, candidates who have been in care or who have been a young carer, and candidates from a low-income background. English language requirements for overseas students
Application process
Applications for NorthWestBio projects are made via the programme portal, and are not made directly to Lancaster. Please see the full application and eligibility details via the programme website: FindAPhD.
Funding Notes
For full funding details, including stipends, research support, and details around placements, please visit the programme website: FindAPhD.
Supervisors
Dr Suzana Ilic (Earth Science & Physical Geography, LEC), Dr Thomas Jones (Earth Science & Physical Geography, LEC) and Dr Frances Beckett (Met Office)
Project Description
Wind/air blown particle transport is ubiquitous in many industrial processes and natural environments. Natural examples include wind-blown dune formation and erosion, and the remobilization of volcanic ash. These processes directly impact the resilience of natural coastal defenses (dunes), degrade air quality, and pose aviation risks by dispersing volcanic ash into the atmosphere.
To forecast and mitigate against these processes we need to understand the critical wind conditions (e.g., wind speeds/shear) required for particle transport. In this PhD project you will perform a series of laboratory investigations in the multi-million-pound Geophysical Fluid Dynamics labs at Lancaster. You will use a novel set of shear-cell tests under different humid atmospheres to directly measure the cohesivity, and thus the critical wind shear required for particle transport. You will have the opportunity to conduct fieldwork, engage with stakeholders (e.g., volcanic ash advisory centres, coastal land managers), and run numerical atmospheric dispersion models (e.g., the Met Office NAME model) to compare to the lab-based tests to real-world scenarios and disseminate the impact of project results.
General eligibility criteria
Enthusiasm, independence, self-motivation, curiosity and the ability to communicate to a range of audiences are all distinctly advantageous qualities for a PhD. Applicants would normally be expected to hold a minimum of a UK Honours degree at 2:1 level or equivalent in a relevant degree course. However, applicants who have gained experience in relevant fields through non-traditional routes are strongly encouraged to apply. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian or Ethnic Minorities candidates, candidates who are in the first generation of their family to go to university, candidates who have been in care or who have been a young carer, and candidates from a low-income background.
The ideal candidate will have an interest in laboratory experimentation and have a desire to conduct interdisciplinary science bridging elements of physics with the physical earth/environmental sciences. A specific subject background is not required, and the studentship will offer training support. As such we welcome students with a backgrounds including, but not limited to Earth/Environmental science, Engineering and Physics.
Studentship funding
A tax-free stipend will be paid at the standard UKRI rate. This is a fully funded studentship of 3.5 years for UK/Home students.
Enquiries
Interested applicants are welcome to get in touch to learn more about the PhD project. Please contact Dr Suzana Ilic s.ilic@lancaster.ac.uk for more information.
Rename the referee form with your ‘Name and Reference’, e.g., Joe Bloggs Reference. Send the renamed reference form to two referees and request them to forward the referee document to lec.pgr.applications@lancaster.ac.uk
Please note only Word or pdf files are accepted. It is important that you ensure references are submitted by the closing date or as soon as possible.
You will receive a generic acknowledgement in receipt of successfully sending the application documents.
Please note that only applications submitted as per these instructions will be considered.
Please note that, if English is not your first language, you will be required to provide evidence of your proficiency in English. This evidence is only required if you are offered a funded PhD and is not required as part of this application process.
Please note that, if you do not hear from us within four weeks of the closing date then you have been unsuccessful on this occasion. If you would like feedback on your application, please contact the supervisors of the project.
Besnard, J.B., Dupont, P., El Moctar, A.O. and Valance, A., 2022. Aeolian erosion thresholds for cohesive sand. Journal of Geophysical Research: Earth Surface, 127(11), p.e2022JF006803.
Pähtz, T., Clark, A.H., Valyrakis, M. and Durán, O., 2020. The physics of sediment transport initiation, cessation, and entrainment across aeolian and fluvial environments. Reviews of Geophysics, 58(1), p.e2019RG000679.
Liu, E.J., Cashman, K.V., Beckett, F.M., Witham, C.S., Leadbetter, S.J., Hort, M.C. and Guðmundsson, S., 2014. Ash mists and brown snow: Remobilization of volcanic ash from recent Icelandic eruptions. Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres, 119(15), pp.9463-9480.
Supervisors:
Dr Tim Lamont, LEC REEFs (Lancaster);
Professor Nick Graham, LEC REEFs (Lancaster);
Dr Tries Razak, General Organization for Conservation of Coral Reefs and Sea Turtles in the Red Sea (Saudi Arabia), and School of Coral Reef Restoration, IPB University (Indonesia);
Professor David Smith, Mars Incorporated (industry supervisor)
Project description:
Restoring coral reefs is an urgent global priority, but many projects are small-scale, poorly located and fail to deliver their stated objectives. This PhD will explore ways of improving restoration outcomes by quantifying the long-term ecological impacts of successful projects, identifying ecological processes that could help deliver increased benefits, and setting appropriate global targets for coral restoration.
You will design and carry out your own research, with the support of an international supervisory team and in collaboration with globally influential industry partners. Your work will combine fieldwork, data analysis and modelling, to address topics including:
Quantifying decadal outcomes – what are the ecological benefits of ten years of coral restoration at a world-leading large-scale restoration project?
Identifying ecological processes for scale-up – how can additional restoration interventions deliver maximal ecological recovery (e.g. use of mixed restoration methods in the same location; combining terrestrial and marine restoration; designing restoration to include multiple habitat types)?
Establishing global targets for coral restoration – how much restoration would be required to achieve different levels of ecosystem service benefits in specific locations?
You will join Lancaster Environment Centre (https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/lec/) and the LEC-REEFs research group (https://lec-reefs.org/), where you will receive comprehensive training and extensive opportunities to engage with networks of academics, researchers, businesses and policy makers. You will work alongside project partner Mars Incorporated, whose ‘Building Coral’ programme (https://www.buildingcoral.com/) will provide the opportunity to conduct fieldwork at Bontosua Island, access a ten-year restoration monitoring dataset, and co-design research questions with restoration practitioners to deliver meaningful global impact.
General eligibility criteria: International and UK students are all eligible to apply, with full fees and stipend funded. Enthusiasm, self-motivation, resilience, curiosity and the ability to communicate to a range of audiences are all distinctly advantageous qualities for a PhD candidate. Applicants would normally be expected to hold a minimum of a UK Honours degree at 2:1 level or equivalent in any relevant international degree course. Applicants who have gained experience in relevant fields through non-traditional routes are strongly encouraged to apply. We welcome applications from Black, Asian and Ethnic Minorities candidates, candidates who are in the first generation of their family to go to university, candidates who have been in care or who have been a young carer, and candidates from a low-income background. English language requirements for overseas students
Project specific criteria: The ideal candidate will have an interest in coral reef ecology and ecosystem restoration, and a Masters degree in a relevant biological discipline. The project will require international collaboration, quantitative data analysis, fieldwork in Indonesia and excellent written and verbal science communication. Experience in these areas will be an advantage.
Enquiries: Interested applicants are welcome to get in touch to learn more about the PhD project. Please contact Dr Tim Lamont, tim.lamont@lancaster.ac.uk for more information.
Dates
Deadline for applications: 30th January 2026
Provisional Interview Date: week of 17th February 2026
Complete the Application Form, renaming the document with your 'Name and Application Form' e.g., Joe Bloggs Application Form.
Submit the completed Application Form, a CV, and a sample of your academic writing (for example a research paper that you wrote as first author, or your undergraduate or Masters dissertation) to pgr.applications@lancaster.ac.uk”.
Please note only Word or pdf files are accepted.
Rename the referee form with your ‘Name and Reference’, e.g., Joe Bloggs Reference. Send the renamed reference form to two referees and request them to forward the referee document to pgr.applications@lancaster.ac.uk
Please note only Word or pdf files are accepted. It is important that you ensure references are submitted by the closing date or as soon as possible.
You will receive a generic acknowledgement in receipt of successfully sending the application documents.
Please note that only applications submitted as per these instructions will be considered.
Please note that, if English is not your first language, you will be required to provide evidence of your proficiency in English. This evidence is only required if you are offered a funded PhD and is not required as part of this application process.
Please note that, if you do not hear from us within four weeks of the closing date then you have been unsuccessful on this occasion. If you would like feedback on your application, please contact the supervisors of the project.
Current PhD Opportunities - Envision Doctoral Training Partnership accordion
There are no funded opportunities at this time, please check back later.
How the application process works
Select the project you wish to apply for. You can make informal enquiries to the project supervisors if you wish. Please ensure that you check the application deadline dates and eligibility criteria.
Complete your application by following the links to the application form. At this stage, you are able to apply for more than one advertised project if you wish.
After the closing date, the Department will consider all applications. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview. Interviews can be arranged by Skype or telephone. The timescale for this will vary but is in the region of 4 weeks.
If you are successful at interview for the studentship, you will be invited to formally apply via the admissions portal online. This ensures that you receive a formal offer of admission. Please submit one application only, and state the studentship that you have applied for in the source of funding section.
Once a formal offer has been made, you will need to check the conditions in your offer letter and supply any outstanding documents by the required deadlines. If your offer is unconditional then this will not apply to you.
You will find yourself taking advantage of several laboratory facilities at Lancaster Environment Centre. There are our £4.4 million Teaching Labs, for example, as well as specialist facilities for Environmental Chemistry, Noble Gas, and Plant and Soil Ecology.
Research Facilities
There are no fewer than 15 purpose-built glasshouse modules, 16 controlled environment plant growth rooms, 4 solar domes based at the Hazelrigg Weather Station and a suite of ultraviolet radiation research facilities that can truly claim to be world-class.
Field Sites
You could find yourself working at a range of catchment science sites across England and Wales, including the local River Eden Valley, or they can travel much further afield to the tropical forests of the Amazon and Borneo.
Cutting-Edge Technologies
You can be trained to use a range of equipment, such as our Stable Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer Facility, X-ray CT Scanner, Magnetometer or the LI-COR Portable Photosynthesis System, which has the capacity to measure plant gas exchange with exceptional speed and precision.
Rich Data Resources
Dedicated support staff with expertise in GIS, statistics, modelling, information technology and programming are available to provide specialist training in all aspects of data acquisition, processing and analysis.
Other methods of applying for a PhD
Studying for a research degree is a highly rewarding and challenging process. You'll work to become a leading expert in your topic area with regular contact and close individual supervision with your supervisor.
If you have your own research idea, we can help you to develop it. To begin this process you will need to find a PhD Supervisor from one of our research groups, whose research interests align with your own.
You can also apply for a PhD from one of the Doctoral Training Centres and Partnerships that work with the Graduate School for the Environment. Details of each of the Training Centres are provided here.
