Nitrogen (N) deposition is widely recognised as a major driver of global change and has been the subject of much research in recent years. Field manipulation experiments are invaluable for demonstrating the effects of global change on the diversity and functioning of ecosystems and there have been a number of studies aimed at evaluating ecosystem responses to changes in N deposition inputs throughout Europe. Knowledge of how different ecosystems respond to increases and decreases in atmospheric N inputs, as well as interactions with management and other global change phenomena, enables us to predict the magnitude of change expected under future environmental scenarios and to evaluate measures which might be used to protect essential ecosystem services in a changing world. This project will involve investigation of N deposition impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in a long term heathland manipulation study. A recent fire at the field site provides a unique opportunity to quantify the effects of N deposition on the recovery dynamics of vegetation and key ecological processes following a major perturbation. Additionally, the study will assess the speed of recovery from the effects of earlier N inputs, following suspension of experimental treatments in a sub-set of plots. Assessment of the biological and chemical impacts of N deposition in controlled, manipulation experiments allows us to develop potential indicators for widespread field evaluation of N deposition load and/or effect. A further part of this study will involve testing a range of potential indicators of N deposition inputs and ecosystem response in field surveys throughout the UK. This project will provide an opportunity for both field and laboratory work, with training in a wide range of ecological and biogeochemical techniques. The studentship will be based at Imperial College London’s Silwood Park campus, in Ascot, Berkshire. A full, clean driving licence is essential. Funding NotesFunding provides UK/EU fees and a stipend of £14,300 p.a. Due to the nature of the funding, this project is open to UK/EU nationals only.