Four-year PhD scholarship at UCLouvain (Belgium) to study the interacting effects of soil conditions and stand composition on SOC storage following conversion-restoration of ancient forests
Offer Description
As part of the research project entitled ‘SHIFT - How does a shift in forest tree species composition affect soil organic carbon storage in ancient forests of Wallonia: site conditions, biotic interactions, and reversibility’ involving partners from three different Belgian universities, UCLouvain offers a 4-yr PhD scholarship to study the interacting effects of soil conditions and stand composition on SOC storage.
Context and objectives. As in many countries worldwide, Wallonia has witnessed a conversion of semi-natural ancient forests to coniferous forests, some of which have been subsequently restored by planting indigenous broadleaved species. Understanding the effects of these consecutive conversions and restorations on soil organic carbon (SOC) storage – including its distribution into functionally relevant fractions, soil biodiversity, and ecosystem functioning is of paramount importance, as unconverted ancient forests may serve as benchmarks for assessing the effects and reversibility of changes in tree species composition on SOC storage and functioning in other similar systems. The general objective of SHIFT is therefore to gain a mechanistic understanding of how shifts in tree species composition affect SOC storage, soil biodiversity, and ecosystem function. To test the generality of these effects, we will deploy a sampling design that captures a variety of soil conditions coupled to a modelling approach. In that context, the PhD will focus on the following issues: assessing the impacts of soil conditions and stand type (unconverted broadleaved ancient forests, converted coniferous ancient forests and restored broadleaved forests) on total soil organic carbon storage; quantifying the relative contributions of soil properties vs tree species composition on SOC fractions; and investigating tree-species induced changes in other soil properties following conversion and restoration.
Job description. The position is available for a period of 48 months. Your key tasks as a PhD student in the SHIFT project are: (i) participate in the research environment at the host institution and the network activities of SHIFT; (ii) manage your research project; (iii) take PhD courses; (iv) write scientific articles and your PhD thesis; (v) participate in congresses; (vi) teach and disseminate your research
Requirements
The ideal candidate holds an MSc degree in soil science, forest science, environmental science, ecology or a closely related field, and has a strong background in soil science, forest ecology or environmental sciences. They should be motivated and experienced in both fieldwork and laboratory analyses, possess solid skills in statistics and data analysis (including demonstrated experience with the R software), and show genuine interest in modelling approaches. The position requires the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, along with good oral and written communication skills in English. To be eligible, applicants must be within the first four years of their research career (full-time equivalent) at the time of recruitment and must not already hold a doctoral degree.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted by email to quentin.ponette@uclouvain.be
no later than 12 December 2025 (23:59 CET), using the subject line “SHIFT application”. Candidates should include a motivation letter explaining their interest in pursuing a PhD and their fit with the SHIFT project, a full CV detailing education, research and work experience (and publications if available), copies of their BSc and MSc diplomas and transcripts, the contact details of two or three referees (including name, address, phone number and email), and documentation of English language proficiency. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online or in-person interview between 15 and 19 December 2025, and the selected applicant is expected to begin the PhD in January 2026.
