Dr R Briers, Dr J Dodd
No more applications being accepted
Self-Funded PhD Students Only
About the Project
Urban freshwater ecosystems are similarly often characterised as impacted and with limited biological life. Throughout the last century however, urban water quality has been improving, with concomitant changes in biological diversity. Approaches to management of water within urban areas have changed radically, with the widespread use of artificial waterbodies that are built-in to developments, so-called sustainable urban drainage systems or SUDS. These systems, which are mainly in the form of small ponds, present an opportunity for diversifying and enhancing urban freshwater biodiversity if managed correctly and this is one of the stated aims of SUDS design. This MRes project aims to examine in detail the drivers behind variation in biodiversity in urban pond sites. The proposed work would involve a combination of field research to collect data on invertebrate communities and physico-chemical conditions from an established set of urban ponds in Inverness and analysis of existing UK-wide data to develop understanding of the processes driving variation in species richness and composition.
Academic qualifications
A first degree (at least a 2.1) ideally in (aquatic) ecology, environmental science or a related subject with a good fundamental knowledge of freshwater taxonomy and sampling methods along with strong statistical and data management skills.
English language requirement
IELTS score must be at least 6.5 (with not less than 6.0 in each of the four components). Other, equivalent qualifications will be accepted. Full details of the University’s policy are available online.
Essential attributes
• Skilled in identification of freshwater invertebrates and physico-chemical analysis of water samples.
• Experience of collation and management of heterogeneous datasets and undertaking statistical analysis using R, multivariate analysis.
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Strong motivation, with evidence of independent research skills relevant to the project
• Good time management
Desirable attributes
• Knowledge of GIS and spatial analysis techniques
Interview for the position are likely to take place on the 8th February 2019. The start date is 1st March 2019.
When applying for this post please quote reference SAS0040
Funding Notes
This is an unfunded position (MRes fees paid)
References
Briers, R. A. (2014) Clean: Soil Air Water, 42: 193-200. https://doi.org/10.1002/clen.201300162
Hill, M.J., Biggs, J., Thornhill, I. et al. Landscape Ecol (2018) 33: 389. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10980-018-0608-1