PhD in Monitoring and evaluating mitigation approaches to improve water quality in agricultural catchments

Atlantic Technological University, Ireland

Updated: about 2 months ago
Location: Gaillimh, CONNAUGHT
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: 29 Mar 2024

12 Mar 2024
Job Information
Organisation/Company

Atlantic Technological University
Department

Marine and Freshwater Research Centre
Research Field

Environmental science » Ecology
Environmental science » Water science
Environmental science » Natural resources management
Agricultural sciences » Other
Biological sciences » Botany
Biological sciences » Biodiversity
Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)
Country

Ireland
Application Deadline

29 Mar 2024 - 12:00 (Europe/Dublin)
Type of Contract

Other
Job Status

Full-time
Hours Per Week

35
Offer Starting Date

1 Jul 2024
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme
Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

This 4 year project is a multidisciplinary collaboration between ATU Galway City, Teagasc, and University College Cork.

It combines the expertise of personnel in the integrated fields of water quality, soil, hydrology, chemistry, and ecology and agri-environment to evaluate the efficacy and efficiency of break the pathway measures (e.g., riparian buffer zones and wetlands) to protect and improve water quality within agricultural catchments.

Within the context of a doctoral degree programme at ATU Galway City, the PhD candidate, under the guidance of the supervisory team will:

  • Assess the effectiveness of implemented break the pathway measures to mitigate and reduce nutrient and sediment pollution,
  • Use physico-chemical parameters and biological data (aquatic macrophytes, riparian vegetation and macroinvertebrates) to determine whether implemented break the pathway measures provide protection and improvements in water quality of adjacent aquatic water bodies during base and spate flow conditions,
  • Inform the design and implementation of break the pathway measures with specific reference to pollution critical source areas, and
  • Make recommendations on appropriate parameters and bioindicators for assessing the water quality of adjacent waterbodies where sediment and nutrients are pressure of concern.

The expected outcomes of this project include the identification, evaluation and dissemination of effective mitigation approaches (i.e., measures, management practices, tools and technologies) to protect and improve water quality as an essential element of sustainable agricultural systems in Ireland


Requirements
Research Field
Environmental science » Ecology
Education Level
Bachelor Degree or equivalent

Research Field
Environmental science » Water science
Education Level
Bachelor Degree or equivalent

Research Field
Environmental science » Natural resources management
Education Level
Bachelor Degree or equivalent

Research Field
Biological sciences » Botany
Education Level
Bachelor Degree or equivalent

Research Field
Biological sciences » Biodiversity
Education Level
Bachelor Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

Desirable skills include:

  • Experience of aquatic field work
  • Knowledge of physico-chemical parameters and methods of analysis
  • Experience of aquatic plant and riparian vegetation identification
  • Experience of macroinvertebrate identification
  • Strong communication skills

Specific Requirements

Candidates must hold an Honours Degree with a minimum award classification of 2:1 or equivalent in a cognate discipline (Agroecology, Aquatic Ecology, Zoology, Biology, Ecology or a related discipline).

Candidates must hold a full clean Irish/European Union driving license


Languages
ENGLISH
Level
Excellent

Research Field
Environmental science » EcologyEnvironmental science » Water scienceEnvironmental science » Natural resources managementBiological sciences » BotanyBiological sciences » Biodiversity
Years of Research Experience
1 - 4

Additional Information
Benefits

Candidate will receive:

  • €25,000 Stipend per annum
  • Postgraduate fees for students will be covered by the project.
  • In addition, any necessary travel and material costs incurred during the project will be covered.

Eligibility criteria

Candidates must hold

  • an Honours Degree with a minimum award classification of 2:1 or equivalent in a cognate discipline (Agroecology, Aquatic Ecology, Zoology, Biology, Ecology or a related discipline).
  •  
  • a full clean Irish/European Union driving license

If either English or Irish is not the applicant’s first language, evidence of English language proficiency is required for registration. Please refer to web link English Language Requirements | ATU - Atlantic Technological University view the minimum English language proficiency standards for entry to ATU


Selection process

Applicants should submit their:

  • Curriculum Vitae (to include contact details of 2 referees)
  • A copy of transcript of results
  • A Personal Statement which should not exceed 1 page and must include details on:
  • How your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this PhD research programme
  • Why you would like to pursue this PhD research programme

    • Applications must be submitted to [email protected] e-mail address only. Please ensure all documents are emailed as a single Word or PDF file.


    Work Location(s)
    Number of offers available
    1
    Company/Institute
    Atlantic Technological University
    Country
    Ireland
    State/Province
    Galway
    City
    Galway City
    Geofield


    Where to apply
    E-mail

    [email protected]

    Contact
    City

    Galway
    Website

    https://www.gmit.ie/research/postgraduate-research/research-vacancies
    Street

    Atlantic Technological University, Old Dublin Road, Galway
    E-Mail

    [email protected]
    [email protected]

    STATUS: EXPIRED