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Post Summary
Traits in Flux: Are plant functional trait relationships stable through time, or are they emergent and context-dependent?
In this position we are seeking a candidate to perform both fieldwork and cutting-edge data analysis in plant functional ecology, working on both above- and below- ground plant traits.
Plant functional trait ecology has revolutionised our practical ability to link ecology to climate change and biosphere services. You will explore a core assumption in plant functional trait ecology: that relationships between traits within a species are stable through time and context. Plants continuously and plastically adjust their physiology and structure through processes like growth, ageing, and competition, yet this temporal and contextual variability is poorly captured—both above- and below- ground. With data on this potential plasticity, paired with other data emerging from the group, you will have further opportunity to relate these to temporal patterns of plant dynamics and greenhouse fluxes from the ecosystem.
You will primarily work on managed grasslands in Ireland, which provide a natural testbed of controlled species study traits of multiple species through time under real environmental conditions. In several of these, our group are installing a network of unique automated ‘minirhizotron’ root cameras and ancillary sensors which are paired with local greenhouse gas measurements. You will both benefit from these unique data and assist in providing ground truth for these systems, via both manual and machine-assisted phenotyping, on both leaves and roots. You will examine how trait relationships evolve over time and in different community contexts, and how these link with overall ecosystem patterns, functional properties and environmental context. Additionally, you will be able to use community databases of trait data and/or smaller scale manipulative experiments, to examine the stability of trait relationships.
You will work within group spanning ecological science, engineering, and computer science methods. Fieldwork on this project will take place in Ireland but there will also be the potential to assist in other fieldwork in the UK and Spain and incorporate data from these sites into the project. Leaf and root trait analysis, and soil analysis facilities, as well as computing resources are available within the wider research group. International collaborations, conference attendance and research trips are also expected as part of this project.
Application Procedure
Applicants should submit a full Curriculum Vitae, including the names and contact details of 2 referees and a 1-page personal statement detailing why you are interested in the project, to:-
Richard Nair richard.nair@tcd.ie with the subject line ‘2026 Plant Traits PhD application’
The first review of candidates will take place on 18th June 2026.
We strive for a bias free recruitment process so we ask you to not send CVs that include a photo or information of a personal nature (e.g. age, marital status, nationality). Statements will be read before CVs. We encourage applications from underrepresented groups in STEM.
Enquiries are welcome in advance of application. Please address all enquiries by email to Dr. Richard Nair, richard.nair@tcd.ie,
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