About the ALLEcoSys Project: Advancing Agroecology Across Europe

The ALLEcoSys (Agroecological Living Labs EcoSystem) project aims to transform Europe’s agri-food systems by promoting resilient, biodiversity-rich, and sustainable agricultural practices.

Key Focus Areas:

• Restoring soil health
• Enhancing on-farm biodiversity
• Implementing natural pest and disease control
• Socioeconomic evaluation of sustainable farming methods

This project unites experts and institutions from six European countries—France, Germany, Romania, Denmark, Norway, and Ireland—in a collaborative network of Living Labs that blend traditional knowledge with modern science.

Postdoctoral Research Position: Microbiome Analysis in Agroecological Systems

Host Institute:

Résistance Induite et Bioprotection des Plantes (RIBP)
Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Reims, France

Position Details:

• Start Date: September 2025
• Contract Duration: 3 Years
• Application Deadline: June 30, 2025

Research Focus:

You will contribute to two key work packages within the ALLEcoSys project:

• WP3: Analyzing the impact of agroecological practices on soil microbiomes
• WP4: Investigating how crop diversification and biocontrol enhance resilience

This position offers hands-on research experience across diverse European field sites, and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams working in real-world agricultural settings.

Ideal Candidate Profile

We are looking for a motivated postdoctoral researcher with strong expertise in microbial analysis and sustainable agriculture.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Microbiology, Agricultural Sciences, Biology, or related field
• Proficiency in microbial ecology, metagenomics, and bioinformatics (especially R and Python)
• Experience in soil and plant microbial community analysis
• Strong teamwork, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Fluent in English (spoken and written)

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following documents in a single PDF file:

• A letter of interest
• A comprehensive CV
• Two reference letters

Submission Email:

[Insert official contact email here]

Learn More About the Project

For complete details about the ALLEcoSys initiative and its mission to foster agroecological transitions in Europe, visit the official project website:

ALLEcoSys Project – agroecologypartnership.eu

The University of Galway is offering an exciting, fully-funded PhD scholarship focused on Phytate-Utilising Bacteria for improving soil health and plant growth. This prestigious opportunity is hosted by the College of Science and Engineering and provides extensive training in microbial genomics, molecular biology, and advanced microbiology techniques.

About the University of Galway

Situated in the lively cultural city of Galway, Ireland, the University of Galway (formerly NUI Galway) is renowned for its world-class research and teaching excellence. With over 18,000 students and 2,400 staff, it is a hub for scientific innovation, tackling global challenges and promoting sustainable solutions across multiple disciplines.

Research Focus: Phytate-Utilising Bacteria for Sustainable Agriculture

Modern agriculture faces critical challenges due to the heavy reliance on rock phosphate fertilizers, sourced mainly from Morocco and Russia. With global phosphate reserves under threat, sustainable alternatives are urgently needed.

This PhD research project will explore how phytate-utilising bacteria can unlock phosphorus bound in soil, making it available for plant uptake. By understanding the genetic mechanisms behind phytate degradation, this project aims to develop biofertilizers that reduce dependency on rock phosphate, enhancing soil fertility and promoting sustainable agriculture.

Key Research Objectives:

• Investigate the genetic basis of phytate utilisation in soil bacteria.
• Evaluate the ecological importance of different phytate degradation systems across various ecosystems.
• Design and develop microbial biofertilizers to boost soil health and plant productivity sustainably.

The project will utilize state-of-the-art technologies such as next-generation DNA sequencing, genomics, molecular biology, and advanced microbiology techniques, offering the candidate hands-on experience with cutting-edge research tools.

Supervision and Support

The successful candidate will be supervised by Dr. Paul Sheridan, an expert in microbial genomics, physiology, and genetics. Dr. Sheridan’s pioneering research continues to advance our understanding of microbial systems and their application in agricultural sustainability and environmental health.

Scholarship Details

• Annual Living Allowance: €25,000 (tax-exempt)
• University Fees: Fully covered by the scholarship
• Duration: Starting from 1st September 2025
• Eligibility Criteria:
  Applicants must hold, or expect to hold by September 2025, a minimum of an upper second-class honours degree (2.1) in Microbiology or a closely related field.

How to Apply

To apply for this PhD scholarship, candidates must submit the following documents:

• A cover letter explaining your interest in the project and your suitability for the position.
• An updated CV detailing academic qualifications and relevant experience.
• Contact information for two academic referees.

Application Submission:
Send your application via email to Dr. Paul Sheridan at sheridanlabrecruit@gmail.com by 30th May 2025 (5:00 PM Irish Time).

Why Pursue Your PhD at the University of Galway?

• World-Class Research Facilities: Access to cutting-edge laboratories and resources.
• Real-World Impact: Contribute to global solutions for food security and sustainable farming.
• Comprehensive Research Training: Gain expertise in genomics, microbial biotechnology, and molecular techniques.
• Career Development: Be part of a vibrant research community and enhance your academic and professional profile.

Start your journey toward making a lasting impact in sustainable agriculture and soil health research. Apply today and join the University of Galway’s commitment to shaping a better future!