PhD fellowship in sustainable fertiliser management and greenhouse gas mitigation

PhD Fellowship in Sustainable Fertiliser Management and Greenhouse Gas Mitigation

The Climate Change Mitigation and Sustainable Soil Management research group at the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences (PLEN), University of Copenhagen, invites applications for a PhD fellowship focused on quantifying the nitrous oxide (N2O) mitigation potential of synthetic nitrification inhibitors (SNIs) applied with synthetic and organic fertilisers across various cropping rotations in Denmark.

The project is part of the multi‑partner research initiative "SYNERGI – Synthetic nitrification inhibitors for N2O emissions reduction and improved GHG inventories", funded by the Danish Agency for Green Transition and Aquatic Environment.

Project Overview

SNIs have been proposed as an effective measure to reduce N2O emissions, with studies showing average reductions of 40–50% and a comparable decrease in nitrate (NO3−) leaching. The objective of the PhD project is to quantify N2O emissions and NO3− leaching from synthetic and organic fertilisers applied to major crops, such as winter wheat and spring barley, and to assess the effectiveness of SNIs in mitigating these losses.

Key Activities

• Conduct controlled laboratory incubation experiments to investigate the effects of SNIs on N2O emissions under different soil types and moisture regimes, including the interaction of SNIs with biochar.
• Perform field experiments to assess the impacts of SNIs on N2O emissions and NO3− leaching from synthetic and organic fertilisers applied to spring‑ and winter‑sown crops.
• Analyse gas samples using closed‑chamber techniques, gas chromatography, and laser‑based analysers.
• Develop and apply statistical and data‑management methods for experimental data.
• Collaborate with other research institutions and prepare research outputs for publication.

Qualifications

• MSc (or equivalent) in environmental science, soil science, biology, physical geography, agronomy or a related discipline.
• Strong knowledge of soil biogeochemistry and plant biology in agricultural systems.
• Experience or interest in experimental research in laboratory and field settings.
• Familiarity with measuring GHG fluxes using closed chambers, gas chromatography and/or laser‑based analysers.
• Proficiency in data management, statistical analysis and research software.
• Excellent English language skills, both written and oral.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Any additional professional experience or publications relevant to the project will be an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Lead independent research activities under supervision.
• Complete approximately 30 ECTS of PhD courses.
• Participate in active research environments, including a potential stay at another research institution.
• Engage in teaching and knowledge dissemination activities.
• Write and defend a PhD thesis and publish scientific papers in high‑impact journals.

Additional Information

The PhD fellow will be employed full time for a maximum of three years within the University of Copenhagen PhD programme. The role requires successful enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD School, Faculty of Science.

Benefits include access to modern laboratories, growth chambers, greenhouses, experimental fields, and a dynamic international research environment. The student will also have the opportunity for a secondment at another institution.

Contact

Principal supervisor: Professor Sander Bruun,

Co‑supervisors: Researcher Azeem Tariq and Assistant Professor Andreas Brændholt.

Equal Opportunities

The University of Copenhagen welcomes applications from all backgrounds and encourages individuals who can contribute to the diversity of the research community to apply.