PhD Research Opportunity: Linking Oceanographical Connectivity Pathways and Environmental Pollution Pressures to the Genetic Structure of Planktonic Biota in Coastal Embayments (COASTCON10)

Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Ireland

Updated: 15 days ago
Location: Sligo, CONNAUGHT
Deadline: 29 Apr 2024

15 Apr 2024
Job Information
Organisation/Company

Atlantic Technological University (ATU)
Department

Research
Research Field

Environmental science » Water science
Environmental science » Global change
Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)
Country

Ireland
Application Deadline

29 Apr 2024 - 17:00 (Europe/Dublin)
Type of Contract

Not Applicable
Job Status

Not Applicable
Hours Per Week

Full Time Study
Offer Starting Date

2 Sep 2024
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

European Union / Next Generation EU
Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

The Higher Education Authority (HEA) Technological University Research and Innovation Supporting Enterprise, Scheme (TU RISE) is co-financed by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund  (ERDF) via the Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021- 27 and the Northern & Western Regional Programme 2021-27.

Project Title (COASTCON10): Linking Oceanographical Connectivity pathways and Environmental Pollution Pressures to the Genetic Structure of Planktonic Biota in Coastal Embayments

This PhD project is part of the Postgraduate Research Training Programme COASTAL CONNECTIVITY, whichoffers 12 PhD research scholarships to commence in 2024. Each project will include an enterprise placement of minimum 12 weeks duration and a bespoke training package in coastal management and research skills.

Various biological resources and ecosystem services are provided by coastal embayments. These have been impacted by growing human populations, overexploitation, habitat transformation and pollution associated with urban developments and agricultural practices. These pressures may be further exacerbated by climate change driven events. The monitoring of such pressures is enforced via several statutory instruments in the context of, for instance, water quality, waste discharge management or aquaculture practises.

There is a multidimensional connectivity element to managing coastal environments, which needs to integrate the transport of water masses along the continental shelf (eg. coastal density driven jets, meteorological physical forcing) and a land-to-sea differential gradient of environmental pressures, including invasive species, harmful algal blooms, microbial and viral contamination in terms of biological risk, or fertilisers, pesticides, microplastics or pharmaceutical and personal care products in terms of chemical pollutants.

Sustainable management is key to safeguarding the exploitation of various marine biological resources and increasing the ecological status of the coastal environment. Delivering on this requires the conduct of diversity and stock assessments as well as the implementation of conservation measures or mitigation strategies.

Objectives of the research project :

Within the context of preserving and protecting the environment, and promoting resource efficiency, this study will focus on assessing the genetic diversity of planktonic organisms from several trophic levels (eg. fish, zooplankton, phytoplankton) in coastal embayments of the west of Ireland in relation to their ecological status and relevant environmental pressures. Specifically, the following aims will be considered:

  • Characterising the genetic diversity of (sub)populations of species from distinct trophic levels
  • Identifying whether discrete subgroups can be geographically delineated or rather exist as a continuum associated with regional oceanographic transport
  • Assessing seasonal patterns of diversity-abundance in community structure using molecular fingerprinting

    • A minimum of 2.1 honours degree (Level 8) in a relevant discipline.

    Project Duration:

    48 months (PhD)

    Preferred Location:

    ATU Sligo, Campus

    Applications:

    Application Form / Terms of Conditions can be obtained on the website: https://www.atu.ie/TU-RISE

    The closing date for receipt of applications is 5pm, (GMT) Monday 29nd April, 2024.

    Only selected applicants will be called for an online interview (shortlisting may apply).


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

    Specific Requirements

    A minimum of 2.1 honours degree (Level 8) in a relevant discipline


    Languages
    ENGLISH
    Level
    Good

    Research Field
    Environmental science

    Additional Information
    Website for additional job details

    https://www.atu.ie/TU-RISE

    Work Location(s)
    Number of offers available
    1
    Company/Institute
    Atlantic Technological University (ATU)
    Country
    Ireland
    State/Province
    CO. SLIGO
    City
    ATU Sligo Campus (Provisional)
    Street
    ATLANTIC TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

    Where to apply
    Website

    https://www.atu.ie/TU-RISE

    Contact
    City

    ATU Sligo Campus (Provisional)
    Website

    https://www.atu.ie/TU-RISE
    Street

    ATLANTIC TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
    E-Mail

    [email protected]

    STATUS: EXPIRED