PhD Research Opportunity: Monitoring and evaluating targeted mitigation approaches to improve water quality: Evaluating break the pathway measures

Atlantic Technological University, Ireland

Updated: 4 months ago
Location: Gaillimh, CONNAUGHT
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: 26 Jan 2024

8 Jan 2024
Job Information
Organisation/Company

Atlantic Technological University
Department

Marine and Freshwater Research Centre
Research Field

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

First Stage Researcher (R1)
Country

Ireland
Application Deadline

26 Jan 2024 - 12:00 (Europe/Dublin)
Type of Contract

Other
Job Status

Full-time
Hours Per Week

35
Offer Starting Date

1 Apr 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 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
Agricultural sciences » Other
Education Level
Bachelor Degree or equivalent

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

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

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

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

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

Skills/Qualifications

The successful candidate will 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 EU driving licence is required.
  • The candidate will be expected to work on their own initiative and be willing to acquire the broader skills necessary for the successful completion of a PhD project.

Languages
ENGLISH
Level
Good

Research Field
Environmental science » Water scienceEnvironmental science » Natural resources managementEnvironmental science » Ecology
Years of Research Experience
1 - 4

Research Field
Agricultural sciences » Other

Research Field
Biological sciences » BiodiversityBiological sciences » Botany

Additional Information
Benefits
  • €25,000 Stipend per annum
  • Postgraduate fees for EU/EEA students will be covered by the project. Please Note: Candidates from outside the EU are eligible to apply, but will be expected to provide evidence of sources of additional funds to cover excesses associated with Non-EU fees*.
  • In addition, any necessary travel and material costs incurred during the project will be covered.

 

* In lieu of fees a non-EU/EEA scholar may be able to apply to undertake two hours of academic development activities per week during the academic year through participation in teaching support, tutorial provision, and/or practical demonstration.


Eligibility criteria

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 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

    • Website for additional job details

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

    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