Conservation of Cultural Heritage

The Department of Geography, University of Portsmouth has a position for doctoral (phD) research available for three years (full-time) for a suitably qualified candidate to start in February or October 2015 (UK or EU students only). Applicants are invited to submit a proposal in the area of weathering science.

Rob Inkpen (Reader in Physical Geography) and academic lead for Geoconservation and Heritage in the Centre for Applied Geosciences (see
http://www.port.ac.uk/department-of-geography/staff/rob-inkpen.html) is interested in supervising a student in the following research area:
Conservation of Cultural Heritage: Examining how different types of rock decay can be linked to factors such as industrial pollution, weather patterns and climate change. We are using a number of field and laboratory techniques including LiDAR and VIS/NIR spectroscopy to understand and quantify the fundamental decay processes and controls associated with heritage materials. We are modelling and predicting the usefulness of different conservation treatments under changing environmental conditions using high resolution techniques such as close-range laser scanning.
Staff web pages also provide more information on individual research interests and the specific projects that staff members have recently undertaken http://www.port.ac.uk/department-of-geography/staff/ The department also advertises research themes for Masters projects (MRes Science) – see the pdf for Geography under Course structure at http://www.port.ac.uk/courses/mres-science/

Applicants for the phD programme are expected to have a good first degree (minimum upper second class Honours degree or equivalent) and ideally a Masters (or equivalent) in a relevant subject area. Non-accredited research and skills training is available through the University-wide Graduate School. If you so wish, you may discuss your ideas informally with Dr Rob Inkpen (tel: 02392 842507: e-mail: [Email Address Removed] ) or email [Email Address Removed]. We will also be happy to answer any questions regarding the application process.

All applications should use our standard application forms and follow the instructions given under the ‘Postgraduate Research’ heading on the following webpages:- www.port.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/howtoapply.

Alternatively you may receive a hard copy by contacting the Faculty of Science, Postgraduate Admissions Office, St. Michael's Building, White Swan Road, Portsmouth, PO1 2DT. Tel: +44 (0)23 9284 5550.