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EURAXESS

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

Atlantic Technological University The Human Resources Strategy for Researchers
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
Type of Contract
Other
Job Status
Full-time
Hours Per Week
35
Offer Starting Date
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:
  1. How your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this PhD research programme
  2. Why you would like to pursue this PhD research programme

Applications must be submitted to ResearchOffice.galwaymayo@atu.ie 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
ResearchOffice.galwaymayo@atu.ie

Contact

City
Galway
Website
Street
Atlantic Technological University, Old Dublin Road, Galway
E-Mail
heather.lally@atu.ie
emma.gray@atu.ie