Research Scientist, doctoral researcher, role of anaerobic microbes on old carbon degradation in deep peat

We are seeking a PhD researcher to uncover how anaerobic microbes drive old carbon degradation in deep peat. This 4-year project offers international collaboration and an excellent opportunity to grow your research career.

Job description

Peatlands store vast amounts of carbon in thick peat layers. However, warming temperatures may cause this carbon to escape into the atmosphere as greenhouse gases. While greenhouse gas emissions have been intensively studied, little is known about the early steps of carbon breakdown deep in the peat. This project explores how anaerobic microbes - many of them dormant but still active at low levels - help degrade ancient carbon in deep peat layers. By focusing on overlooked processes like fermentation and acetogenesis, the project aims to understand how these microbes contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.

We are seeking a PhD student to join Luke's Soil Ecosystems group for a four-year project funded by the ...