Innovation Fellow in Plant-Soil Interactions

Applications are invited for an Innovate UK-funded post-doctoral position, to investigate the performance of a novel organic fertiliser The study is largely field-based (at an adjacent site to Lancaster University where trials will occur with plants grown in raised beds in a dedicated polytunnel) and will involve setting up an automated irrigation system, applying different nutrient treatments and evaluating plant growth and soil nutrient status. These activities will be complemented by greenhouse-based experiments at Lancaster University, including assessing fertiliser impacts on soil properties and the wider environment (e.g. nutrient leaching). 

The successful applicant will join a research team, led by Professor Ian Dodd studying nutritional and hydrological benefits conferred by a novel fertiliser derived from an industrial waste stream, and manufactured by Stopford Ltd. https://www.stopford.co.uk/capabilities-nutragy 

The position is available to scientists with a PhD in plant / soil sciences and preference will be given to those with experience in field studies of plant-soil interactions and nutrient cycling. 

The position is effective from 10th June 2025 and is available for 6 months full-time (part-time work is especially welcomed to most efficiently deliver the project over a longer duration). Informal enquiries to Professor Ian Dodd (email: i.dodd@lancaster.ac.uk). Further details of Professor Dodd’s research can be found on https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/lec/about-us/people/ian-dodd  

Closing Date: 11 Jun 2025

Department: Research

Salary: £39,355 to £45,413 (Full time, Fixed-Term)