The studentship would be supported by an interdisciplinary Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) led by Professor Richard Brazier (Director of CREWW, University of Exeter) and Dr Paul Lunt (University of Plymouth).
Applications are invited for a 3.5-year PhD studentship. The studentship will start on 1st Jan 2023.
Project Description
The research will involve the assessment and evaluation of three co-benefits of NFM interventions: carbon sequestration, biodiversity net gain and aspects of water quality. Firstly, the PhD student will collate and synthesise relevant data and understanding from existing NFM monitoring sites in Devon. This work will form a literature review and position paper, which sets out opportunities for net environmental gain from NFM beyond flood resilience. Secondly, the candidate will design a monitoring program that collects the empirical data needed to evaluate the co-benefits of NFM interventions such as: (1) wet woodland creation, (2) woody debris dams, (3) floodplain wetland creation, (4) stage zero river restoration (5) beaver dams (and other interventions). Monitoring will include: net ecosystem carbon exchange; plant macronutrients and surface and subsurface sediments; and, surveys of plant, invertebrate and fish populations. Thirdly, the candidate will apply methods such as natural capital evaluation to compare between NFM interventions across multiple sites. Finally, the candidate will evaluate the co-benefits of NFM interventions and share this information with project partner organisations and more widely in the peer-reviewed literature to build an evidence-base for decision-making around NFM deployment.
The research is part of an integrated framework of monitoring, involving 22 project partners across Devon to collect, analyse and evaluate the learning outcomes of NFM interventions. As part of a program of research and implementation of NFM, the candidate will also benefit from lateral support within the team of 5 PhD students, and two very strong research-led teams of academics at UoP and UoE.
Eligibility
Applicants should have a first or upper second class honours degree in an appropriate subject and preferably a relevant Masters qualification.
Candidate requirements
Understanding of environmental science, biology and particularly aquatic ecology, alongside strong statistical and numeracy skills. Experience of field work (for example plant and animal surveys, soil GHG exchange, water quality assessments and fish surveys), habitat mapping using GIS and natural capital valuation assessments are all desirable, though n.b. essential training will be provided.
If you wish to discuss this project further informally, please contact Dr Paul Lunt, [Email Address Removed].
To Apply
To apply for this position please visit here.
Please clearly state the name of DoS and the studentship title that you are applying for on your personal statement.
Please see here for a list of supporting documents to upload with your application.
For more information on the admissions process generally, please contact [Email Address Removed].
The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Wednesday 23rd Nov. 2022. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview the week beginning 5th December. We regret that we may not be able to respond to all applications. Applicants who have not received a response within six weeks of the closing date should consider their application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.
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