Research Fellow in Soil Microbiology at Cranfield University, UK (2026)
The successful candidate will lead a substantial component of a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship research programme, focusing on how microbial communities, epilithic organisms and plant roots contribute to the movement and transformation of organic carbon in weathered rock and soil parent materials.
Research Fellow in Soil Microbiology – Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Position | Research Fellow in Soil Microbiology |
| Reference | 5347 |
| University | Cranfield University |
| Faculty/Department | Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences |
| Location | Cranfield Campus, Bedfordshire, UK |
| Contract | Fixed-term |
| Duration | 30 months |
| Working Hours | 37 hours/week |
| Salary | £37,897–£45,580 per year |
| Potential Progression | Up to £52,067 per year |
| Posted | 10 July 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 11 September 2026 |
| Level | Research Fellow / Postdoctoral-level research role |
About the Research Position
The Research Fellow will be part of a major externally funded soil science research programme. The central research theme is understanding how biological processes move carbon into weathered rock and soil parent materials.
The project brings together research in:
- Soil microbiology
- Environmental microbiology
- Soil formation
- Biogeoscience
- Carbon cycling
- Rock weathering
- Plant–microbe interactions
- Environmental systems
The researcher will investigate how microbial communities, epilithic organisms and plant roots contribute to organic carbon transport and transformation during the process of soil formation.
This makes the position particularly relevant for researchers interested in the connections between soil microbial ecology, carbon dynamics, biogeochemical cycling and soil development.
Main Responsibilities
The appointed Research Fellow will lead and contribute to several research activities.
1. Design and conduct experiments
You will design and conduct laboratory and field experiments addressing biological processes involved in carbon movement and transformation.
2. Microbiological and molecular research
The role involves applying microbiological or molecular approaches to environmental samples to investigate microbial processes associated with soil formation and carbon cycling.
3. Field research
The researcher will coordinate and undertake field activities in the UK and internationally. Therefore, willingness to travel for fieldwork and research collaboration is an essential requirement.
4. Laboratory research
You will coordinate laboratory activities and conduct experiments related to soil microbiology, weathering and carbon transformation.
5. Data analysis
The position requires analysis and interpretation of complex research datasets generated through field and laboratory investigations.
6. Scientific publications
The successful candidate will prepare and publish research findings in high-quality scientific journals.
7. Interdisciplinary collaboration
You will work closely with the research lead and wider project team, contributing to interdisciplinary research across soil microbiology, weathering processes and carbon cycling.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants should have a doctoral-level qualification in a relevant discipline.
Suitable academic backgrounds include:
Soil Microbiology
Environmental Microbiology
Soil Science
Environmental Science
Biogeoscience
A closely related discipline
Candidates should also have experience conducting independent research in laboratory and field environments.
Required Skills and Experience
The ideal applicant should demonstrate:
- PhD-level training in a relevant subject
- Independent research experience
- Experience with laboratory research
- Experience with field research
- Expertise in microbiological or molecular approaches relevant to environmental samples
- Ability to design and conduct experiments
- Experience analysing and interpreting research data
- Ability to prepare scientific work for publication
- Strong organisational skills
- Strong problem-solving abilities
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently
- Ability to collaborate effectively within an interdisciplinary team
Willingness to undertake UK and international travel for fieldwork and collaboration is essential.
Research Themes
This position may be particularly attractive to researchers working at the intersection of:
Soil Microbiology → Soil Formation → Rock Weathering → Carbon Cycling → Plant–Microbe Interactions → Environmental Sustainability
The role provides an opportunity to investigate biological processes that influence the development of soils and the movement of carbon into weathered geological materials.
Salary and Employment Benefits
The position offers a full-time starting salary normally in the range of £37,897 to £45,580 per year, with potential progression up to £52,067 per year.
The appointment is for 30 months, with a working schedule of 37 hours per week, normally Monday to Friday.
Cranfield also highlights flexible working arrangements where the nature of the role permits, together with opportunities for professional development and collaboration.
About Cranfield University
Cranfield University is a specialist postgraduate university with a strong focus on technology, management, research and industry collaboration.
The position is located within Cranfield's Environmental Sustainability Theme, which brings together expertise in areas including soil science and environmental systems.
The research environment focuses on developing solutions for a more resilient and sustainable future through collaboration with industry, government and international research partners.
Why This Position Is Attractive for Soil Researchers
For researchers interested in soil microbiology, this position has a particularly strong combination of field research, laboratory experimentation and interdisciplinary environmental science.
The research is not limited to conventional microbial analysis. It connects microbial activity with:
- Soil formation
- Weathering
- Organic carbon transport
- Carbon transformation
- Plant roots
- Epilithic organisms
- Environmental sustainability
This makes it relevant for researchers seeking to build expertise in soil microbial ecology and biogeochemical processes.
Official Application Link
Applicants should apply through the official Cranfield University vacancy page.
APPLY HERE: Official Cranfield University Vacancy Page
For an informal discussion about the position, applicants can contact:
Application Deadline
11 September 2026
Applications should be submitted before the stated deadline.
Career Prospects
This role can be valuable for researchers planning careers in:
- Soil microbiology
- Environmental microbiology
- Soil science
- Biogeochemistry
- Soil carbon research
- Microbial ecology
- Biogeoscience
- Environmental sustainability
- Academic research
- Environmental research and consultancy
The combination of independent research, fieldwork, laboratory work, data analysis, publications and interdisciplinary collaboration can provide useful experience for researchers pursuing future academic or research-intensive positions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the position at Cranfield University?
Cranfield University is recruiting a Research Fellow in Soil Microbiology, vacancy reference 5347, based at the Cranfield Campus in Bedfordshire, UK.
2. What is the research focus?
The research investigates how microbial communities, epilithic organisms and plant roots contribute to organic carbon transport and transformation during soil formation.
3. How long is the contract?
The position is offered on a fixed-term contract for 30 months.
4. What is the salary?
The starting salary is normally £37,897–£45,580 per year, with potential progression up to £52,067 per year.
5. What degree is required?
Applicants should have doctoral-level education in soil microbiology, environmental microbiology, soil science, environmental science, biogeoscience or a related discipline.
6. Is fieldwork involved?
Yes. The role involves field and laboratory research, including activities in the UK and internationally. Willingness to travel is essential.
7. Is laboratory experience required?
Yes. Candidates should have experience conducting independent research in laboratory settings and expertise in microbiological or molecular approaches relevant to environmental samples.
8. Is this position suitable for a soil microbiology researcher?
Yes. Soil microbiology is explicitly identified as one of the relevant backgrounds, and the research directly involves microbial communities, soil formation and carbon cycling.
9. When is the application deadline?
The application deadline is 11 September 2026.
10. Who can applicants contact for more information?
For an informal discussion, applicants can contact Dr Dan Evans, Senior Lecturer in Soil Formation and UKRI Future Leaders Fellow, at daniel.l.evans@cranfield.ac.uk.
11. Where is the position located?
The position is based at Cranfield Campus, Bedfordshire, United Kingdom.
12. What is the working schedule?
The position is full-time, 37 hours per week, normally Monday to Friday. Flexible working will be considered.
Final Takeaway
The Research Fellow in Soil Microbiology at Cranfield University is a strong opportunity for researchers with a PhD in soil microbiology, environmental microbiology, soil science, environmental science or biogeoscience.
The 30-month research appointment, salary of up to £52,067 with progression, and research focus on soil formation, microbial processes and carbon cycling make this an interesting opportunity for researchers looking to develop an academic career in soil and environmental research.
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