About the Program
The University of Birmingham is offering a fully funded PhD position in the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, starting in January 2026. Supervised by Dr Alice Gauthey, this opportunity is part of the prestigious FutureForests Doctoral Network (Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, MSCA). The project will explore how elevated carbon dioxide (CO₂) and warmer temperatures affect tree carbon dynamics and allocation, using the pioneering BIFoR Free-Air CO₂ Enrichment (FACE) facility. As part of a Europe-wide collaboration, the successful candidate will benefit from advanced training, interdisciplinary methods, and secondments in Germany and Estonia. This PhD is ideal for candidates eager to contribute to cutting-edge climate change research and to shape sustainable forest policy under the EU Green Deal.
Program Details
- Position: Fully-funded PhD Position / Doctoral Researcher
- Institution: University of Birmingham
- Department/Faculty: School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences & Birmingham Institute of Forest Research (BIFoR)
- Supervisor: Dr Alice Gauthey
- Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Start Date (Anticipated): January 2026
- Duration: 3 years (until August 2029)
- Funding: Fully funded with a fixed salary of £49,747 per year (with possible allowances) under EU MSCA FutureForests programme
- Working Hours: Full-time
- Required Degree/Diploma: Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Plant Sciences, Chemistry, Biology, or related disciplines
Research Focus/Area
- Tree carbon dynamics and allocation under elevated CO₂
- Forest ecophysiology and carbon storage processes
- Climate change impacts on temperate and European forests
- Comparative analysis across international forest research facilities
- Modelling forest responses to warming and global change
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline
- Must not already hold a doctoral degree (PhD) by January 2026
- Proficiency in English (written and spoken)
- Compliance with MSCA mobility rules (must not have lived/worked in the UK for more than 12 of the last 36 months prior to January 2026)
Preferred Qualifications:
- Strong academic record and research aptitude
- Field and laboratory experience in environmental or plant sciences
- Knowledge of ecophysiological methods, data analysis, or modelling
- Motivation for international collaboration and interdisciplinary work
Key Features of the Program
- Part of the prestigious FutureForests MSCA training network
- Research at the state-of-the-art BIFoR-FACE facility
- International secondments in Germany (TU Munich) and Estonia (University of Tartu)
- Interdisciplinary training with >20 academic, NGO, industry, and government partners
- Career development support and transferable skills training
- Opportunities for publications, conferences, and networking across Europe
Application Process
How to Apply: Submit your application via the University of Birmingham portal. Informal enquiries can be directed to Dr Alice Gauthey at a.gauthey@bham.ac.uk.
Required Documents:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Cover letter (max two pages, outlining your vision for the project and suitability)
- BSc and MSc degree certificates (with English translations)
- Contact details of at least two referees
- Links to publications or theses (if available)
Important Dates
- Applications Open: 9 September 2025
- Deadline: 7 October 2025
- Start Date: January 2026
Where to Apply
- University Website: University of Birmingham
- Notification: click here
- Application Portal: Apply here
Learn about more PhD opportunities: HigherJobz
