Birds visit mining tailing ponds, which house sludge generated during mine processing and contain toxic metals and associated heavy metals. These visits sometimes result in mass mortality including of threatened species, yet we lack understanding of the diversity of species using tailing ponds, the concentrations of toxic compounds that are ingested, and the potential for widespread bioaccumulation.
This PhD will fill these core knowledge gaps to quantify the biodiversity risks of mining pollution across space and time, and thus develop the evidence base for reduced impacts of mining-generated pollution on biodiversity. It will do so in sub-Saharan Africa, which is the global epicentre of mining development, and where mining pollution poses a threat to both resident and Afro-palearctic migrant birds.
You will have a core interest in applying scientific knowledge to address major global challenges, with a background in ecology, conservation and/or ecotoxicology. You will develop expertise in managing an international programme of fieldwork, avifaunal field sampling including mist-netting, laboratory-based ecotoxicology assessments, and data analyses and mapping.
Supervisor: Professor David Edwards
Host organisation: University of Sheffield
Partner Organisation: Joint Nature Conservation Committee - JNCC
The ECORISC CDT
This project is one of 21 projects being advertised by the NERC-funded ECORISC (Ecotoxicological Risk Assessment Towards Sustainable Chemical Use) Centre for Doctoral Training programme. 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 transferable skills.
Over the first two years of the PhD programme, you will receive subject-specific training, in: i) ecotoxicology; ii) environmental chemistry; iii) ecology; and iv) risk assessment; and v) core skills required for an environmental specialist. The formal training programme will be complemented by yearly residential challenge events 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. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process. 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 PhD’s offered under the ECORISC CDT, you should initially complete a short online application form available on the ECORISC PhD Studentships web page. Applications should be submitted before 17:00 (British Summer Time) on Friday 9th December 2022. You will be notified of the outcome of the process by 17:00 Thursday 22nd December 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 and to ask questions on the programme or the application process. This event will run from 14:00-16:00 GMT on Wednesday 16 th November 2022 and booking details can be found on the ECORISC website.
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