Location
Department of Biosciences, Streatham Campus, University of Exeter
Project Outline
Combating biodiversity declines is one of our greatest global challenges. Many migratory bird species are declining at rates far exceeding those of their resident counterparts. Impacts of chemicals on bird migration fitness has largely been ignored yet is important for international bird protection, and informing future UK policy to monitor and manage chemicals in the UK and effects abroad. Many birds feed in UK estuaries to fuel their global migrations where contaminants of environmental concern are often concentrated. Combining field sampling, empirical chemical measures, bird tracking, and modelling, this exciting project, supported by an internationally leading team of researchers at the universities of Exeter and York and policy advisors at the JNCC and Defra, will investigate the impact of contaminant exposures on wading bird migratory fitness.
This project will develop new data and understanding on the risks of chemical exposure for selected estuary feeding wading birds (Dunlin, Curlew, Godwits and Oystercatchers) during critical life periods as they fuel for migration. Combining empirical studies and modelling approaches, the project will identify migratory wader species at higher risk(s) to chemical exposure effects for supporting more effective targeted future environmental protection
The student will gain expertise in a wide range of scientific skills, including in ecotoxicology, ecology, analytical chemistry, modelling, bird handling and tagging, and advanced statistical methods. With stakeholder partners they will also gain in-depth knowledge in conservation biology, environmental monitoring, chemicals risk assessment, and domestic and international policy.
Supervisor: Charles Tyler
Host organisation: University of Exeter
Partner Organisation: JNCC
The ECORISC CDT
This project is one of 22 projects being advertised by the NERC-funded ECORISC (Ecotoxicological Risk Assessment Towards Sustainable Chemical Use) Centre for Doctoral Training programme. More information on the CDT can be found at: https://www.york.ac.uk/environment/postgraduate/ecorisc//.
Funding will be provided for 3 years and 10 months. During this time you will work on your research project but will also receive unique and outstanding training in pollution science and transferrable skills.
Over the first two years of their PhD programme, you will receive subject-specific training, in: i) ecotoxicology; ii) environmental chemistry; iii) ecology; and iv) risk assessment; and v) the core skills required for an environmental specialist. Successful completion of this training will result in the award of phase 1 of the Certified Environmental Risk Assessor qualification from the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. The formal training programme will be complemented by yearly residential challenge events, ECORISC annual conferences and tailored specialist skills training conducted as group and individual exercises.
ECORISC students will also be required to undertake two workplace experiences based with our business, policy and regulation, third sector, and research organisation partners.
An inclusive CDT programme
Inclusivity is at the heart of the ECORISC programme. We strongly encourage applications from under-represented groups and are employing a number of mechanisms, such as the possibility of part-time working, to ensure the programme is open to all. If you have any questions, then please don’t hesitate to contact us at [Email Address Removed].
Eligibility and Application process
The studentships are open to highly motivated UK and international/EU applicants with at least an upper second class Honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject. Successful applicants will be passionate about environmental pollution science and want their science to make a difference.
To be considered for this and other PhDs offered under the ECORISC CDT, you should initially complete a short online application form available at: https://cardiff.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/ecorisc-cdt-student-application-202122-2.Applications should be submitted before 17:00 GMT on Monday 3rd January 2022. You will be notified of the outcome of your initial application by Monday 17th January 2022.
Successful applicants will be provided with an opportunity to meet with supervisory teams and then be invited to submit a project-specific application form which will be used to shortlist candidates for an interview.
ECORISC open afternoon
We are running an online ‘open afternoon’ for you to learn more about the CDT or to ask questions on the programme or the application process. This event will run from 1400-1630 GMT on the 9th December 2021 and booking details can be found on our website at: https://www.york.ac.uk/environment/postgraduate/ecorisc/
Entry requirements
The studentships are open to highly motivated UK and international/EU applicants with at least an upper second class Honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject. Successful applicants will be passionate about environmental pollution science and want their science to make a difference.
Successful applicants, will be provided with an opportunity to meet with supervisory teams and then be invited to submit a project-specific application form which will be used to shortlist candidates for an interview.
International applicants need to be aware that you will have to cover the cost of your student visa, healthcare surcharge and other costs of moving to the UK to do a PhD.
The conditions for eligibility of home fees status are complex and you will need to seek advice if you have moved to or from the UK (or Republic of Ireland) within the past 3 years or have applied for settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
If English is not your first language you will need to have achieved at least 6.5 in IELTS and no less than 6.0 in any section by the start of the project.
Alternative tests may be acceptable (see http://www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply/english/).
How to apply
To be considered for this and other PhD’s offered under the ECORISC CDT, you should initially complete a short online application form available at: https://cardiff.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/ecorisc-cdt-student-application-202122-2. Applications should be submitted before 1700 on Monday 3rd January 2022.
You will be notified of the outcome of the process by Monday 17th January 2022.
If you have any general enquiries about the application process please email [Email Address Removed] or phone 0300 555 60 60 (UK callers) +44 (0) 1392 723044 (EU/International callers)
Project-specific queries should be directed to the supervisor; Professor Charles Tyler ([Email Address Removed])
Continue with Facebook
