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| Global change impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning | ||||||||||||
Nitrogen (N) deposition is widely recognised as a major driver of global change and has been the subject of much research in recent years. Field manipulation experiments have demonstrated the effects of N inputs on the diversity and functioning of a variety of ecosystems throughout Europe. Knowledge of how different ecosystems respond to increases and decreases in atmospheric N inputs, as well as interactions with management and other global change phenomena, enables us to predict the magnitude of change expected under future environmental scenarios and to evaluate measures which might be used to protect essential ecosystem services in a changing world. This project will involve investigation of N deposition impacts on biodiversity and functioning in heathland ecosystems, using both experimental and field survey approaches. A long term field experiment at a lowland heath in Surrey (Thursley Common NNR) provides the framework for evaluating plant, microbial and soil chemical responses to changes in rates of N deposition. A recent severe summer fire at the site also presents a unique opportunity to quantify the effects of N deposition on the recovery dynamics of vegetation and key ecological processes following a major perturbation. The field survey part of this study builds on the results from the manipulation experiment and involves testing a range of potential indicators of N deposition inputs and ecosystem response at a number of heathland sites throughout the UK. This project will provide an opportunity for both field and laboratory work, with training in a wide range of ecological and biogeochemical techniques. The studentship will start no later than October 1st 2008 and will be based at Imperial College London’s Silwood Park campus, in Ascot, Berkshire. Due to the nature of the field work involved in this project, a full, clean driving licence is essential. To apply, please send a CV and covering letter to Dr Sally Power (s.power@imperial.ac.uk). The closing date for applications is 12th June and interviews are expected to be held on 23rd/24th June. Funding Notes Applications are invited from candidates with a 1st or upper 2nd class degree and a background in biological or environmental sciences. Please note that full funding is only available for UK/EU students. |
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