Understanding the interaction between root exudate and soil microbial communities

Location: Rothamsted Research 

Duration: 8 Weeks

We have an exciting opportunity for an 8-week funded project working in the Chemical Ecology group at Rothamsted Research (Harpenden). The research experience placement student will be interacting in a broad range of chemical ecology and microbiology activities, which will enhance their current knowledge and experience.

The student will work with RRes staff on a core research project that forms part of the institute strategic programme. The student will help explore the interaction between the plant root system and the associated microbial communities that form part of the plant system. This plant-microbe interaction is key to understand the soil environment that enables crops to grow health, reduce soil erosion, and to develop sustainable healthy soils for both grow yield and pest management.

The project will address the question ‘what influence do root exudate have on microbial communities’. Specific research tasks involve collection of root exudates, with analysis via LCMS (Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry) to identify key secondary metabolites. How these metabolites shape the microbial communities. This project is linked to current research activities at Rothamsted Research and the results obtained will be directly relevant to our ongoing activities.

The student will work closely with members of the Chemical Ecology group to collect and analysis samples.

To apply

We encourage applications from students from all backgrounds. Please check you meet the eligibility criteria before completing the EDI Form 2023 ; this form is a mandatory part of the application process, but contains ‘prefer not to say’ options for all questions asked.

Once you have completed the online data collection form you will receive an email with the application form and details of how to apply to the supervisor. The application form should be completed and emailed to the lead supervisor along with a reference from your personal tutor.