About the Program
The University of Reading invites applications for a fully funded PhD in Environmental Science titled “Pollen-based reconstruction of Holocene climates of Africa during the Holocene” at the Department of Geography and Environmental Science. This doctoral studentship focuses on reconstructing past African climates using pollen records from lake and bog sediments, offering a high-resolution understanding of vegetation responses to environmental change. The project addresses long-term climate variability, moisture availability, and temperature shifts during the Holocene, contributing to broader questions about vegetation productivity and human resource use. Supervised by Professor Sandy P. Harrison and Professor I. Colin Prentice, the PhD spans 3.5 years and is based in Reading, United Kingdom, with an expected start date in 2026. The studentship provides opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, computational research training, international networking, and participation in the EcoArch research consortium.
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Program Details
- Position: Fully Funded PhD Studentship
- Institution: University of Reading
- Department/Faculty: Geography and Environmental Science
- Supervisors: Sandy P. Harrison, I. Colin Prentice
- Location: Reading, United Kingdom
- Start Date (Anticipated): 2026
- Duration: 3.5 years
- Funding: Full funding via Horizon Europe (stipend of £20,780 per year + international tuition fees)
- Working Hours: Full-time
- Required Degree/Diploma: Bachelor’s degree (minimum UK 2:1 or equivalent) or Master’s degree in Environmental Science or a related discipline
Research Focus/Area
- Holocene climate reconstruction across Africa
- Pollen-based palaeoenvironmental analysis
- Sediment and vegetation-based climate records
- Quantitative climate and environmental reconstruction
- Vegetation productivity modelling across temporal scales
- Human–environment interactions and early agriculture
- Advanced statistical and computational methods (R, Python)
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of UK Upper Second Class (2:1) or equivalent
- OR a Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Geography, Climate Science, Ecology, or a closely related discipline
Preferred Qualifications:
- Research experience in palaeoenvironmental studies or climate modelling
- Strong quantitative and programming skills (R, Python)
- Experience working with environmental or geospatial datasets
- Ability to manage large datasets and apply statistical techniques
- Strong academic writing and analytical skills
Key Features of the Program
- Interdisciplinary research environment through the SPECIAL group
- Collaboration with international partners: University of Oslo, Penn State University, and research centres across Africa
- Possibility of taking part in EcoArch fieldwork activities
- Access to high-quality computational and modelling resources
- Professional development, academic training, and networking opportunities
- Supportive supervisory team with expertise in climate reconstruction and environmental modelling
Application Process
How to Apply:
Apply online via the University of Reading application portal. Create an account, follow the link sent by email, and complete the application form.
- In the “Scholarships applied for” section, enter the reference DRC26-006.
- If prompted to submit a research proposal, paste the project title and continue to the next step.
Required Documents:
- CV
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
- Personal statement
- English language proficiency certificate (if applicable)
- Contact details for referees
Important Dates
- Applications Open: Ongoing
- Deadline: 15 March 2026
- Interviews: To be communicated by the department
Where to Apply
- University Website: University of Reading – Geography and Environmental Science
- Official Notification: Click here
- Application Portal: University of Reading Online Application System
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