Assessing nature-based solutions for upland catchment resilience

Apply and key information

This project is funded by:

Department for the Economy (DfE)
Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

Summary

Northern Ireland’s uplands contain approximately 1,000 km² of carbon-rich peatland, much of which is degraded and releasing carbon due to historical drainage, peat cutting and fuel extraction, afforestation, and overgrazing.

Restoration of peatland is planned to support net-zero targets through nature-based solutions (NbS), while benefiting biodiversity and hydrological functions. However, major evidence gaps limit assessment of these benefits and effective policy reviews.

This is increasingly important as climate change exposes vulnerable peatlands to more extreme floods and droughts. Catchment resilience must therefore be assessed, particularly where upland peat strongly influences downstream water regulation and carbon loss.

An upland research platform in the Glens of Antrim will address these challenges by assessing catchment resilience in relation to peat restoration. Up to eight deep-peat micro-catchments are fully instrumented to monitor hydrology, meteorology, water quality, and greenhouse-gas emissions.

The sites represent a gradient of conditions and restoration stages, including near-intact peatland; intensively and extensively drained land; previously drained and afforested sites restored using NbS; and mature afforested peatland scheduled for restoration.

Using advanced time-series analysis and machine learning to investigate restoration trajectories, the project will:

Assess water surface and groundwater regulation and wider hydrological functions.
Evaluate fluvial carbon dynamics, including dissolved and particulate organic carbon and dissolved inorganic carbon.
Translate findings into policy and knowledge-exchange tools for future reviews.

The PhD researcher should have experience in quantitative environmental data analysis, laboratory work, and fieldwork operating in remote locations. They will access a world-leading and expanding dataset, expertise across three research institutions, and extensive government and professional networks.

Note: A proposal is not required for this project upon application.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

A comprehensive and articulate personal statement demonstrating interest in the subject area
Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

Applicants should hold, or expect to hold a First Class Honours Degree in a relevant subject area
Applicants should hold, or expect to hold a relevant Masters Degree at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
Work experience relevant to the proposed project
Experience of presentation of research findings

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

Department for the Economy (DfE)
Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

PhD scholarships are available for this project to all applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile, and will cover:

Tuition fees.
A maintenance allowance of approximately £22,000 (exact rate is to be confirmed) per annum for three years, subject to satisfactory academic performance.
A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of approximately £900 per annum.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year, or part-time equivalent, funded from any source, including self-financing students, are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Students in full-time employment are not eligible for an award.

Part-time PhD scholarships may be available at a 0.5 pro rata rate of the full-time scholarship, which would require a six-year registration period.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.

The University will award a successful candidate one of the following scholarships for the project, depending on the funding available at the time an admissions offer is made:

Please note that the Terms and Conditions for scholarships are subject to change for 2027/28.