PhD Study : Environmental management and conservation of crayfish populations in Irish marl lakes

Summary

This is a PhD opportunity at Ulster University to study crayfish populations, eutrophication and nutrient management in marl lake systems (Kilroosky lake complex and Lough Arrow system). The studentship is part of INTERREG VA project ‘Collaborative Action for the Natura Network’ (CANN) with partners in Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and Scotland. The population status of crayfish in these lakes is uncertain, while the few available data suggest a recent decline for some of the sites due to pollution, which may cause eutrophication. Successful environmental management of these lakes requires identification of pollution and its attribution to sources, e.g. surface water or groundwater inputs.

As member of an international and interdisciplinary team of scientists the PhD student will implement a monitoring method for crayfish plague, assess the population status of priority species Austropotamobius pallipes in the surveyed marl lakes, monitor water quality, hydrology and eutrophication indicators and carry out trials for nutrient limitation through calcite precipitation.

This project has been developed in collaboration with IT Sligo and AFBI.

Applicants must be able to swim, have a first or upper second class Honours BSc and/or MSc in Limnology, Environmental Science, Ecology, Biology, Ecology or similar discipline or provide evidence of their prospective degree classification meeting that range. A driving licence will be very useful for conducting fieldwork; the candidate should at least be willing to attain a licence.

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.

• 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.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Masters at 65%
• Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Experience of presentation of research findings
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• Use of personal initiative as evidenced by record of work above that normally expected at career stage.

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living

This project is supported by the European Union's INTERREG VA Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).