Number of awards
1
Start date and duration
January 2022 for 3 years.
Application closing date
3 September 2021. Interviews on 9 September 2021.
Overview
As our climate changes, the UK will face wetter winters and dryer summers, including increased frequency, magnitude, and duration of flood events. Replacement of native riparian plant species by invasive non-native plants (INP) has been linked to increased rates of riverbank erosion, with implications for downstream flooding. However, the extent of this relationship and how it compares to native plant species, is unknown.
Rivers also act as conduits for the dispersal of species which can be amplified during climate induced changes to flood events. These flood events can carry large amounts of sediment. The location and size of overbank flood deposits may be driven by invasion of the riparian zone by INP, as well as acting as a propagule source and providing new habitat for colonisation of these invaders. To efficiently manage biological invasions in freshwater systems, identifying sources of initial colonisation and establishment is critical.
This project aims to 1) identify the role of INP in riverbank erosion and assess how this compares to dominant native plants; 2) assess the contribution of INP in facilitating increased sedimentation rates downstream; 3) identify the role of sediment deposition as focal points for propagule accumulation & hotspots for invasion.
This PhD will involve extensive field work across the UK; working with an interdisciplinary supervisory team; and is based in the dynamic and collegiate MEP research group at NU.
Sponsor
School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University (NU)
Name of supervisor(s)
Dr Zarah Pattison MEP, NU; Dr Chris Hackney GPS, NU; Dr Clare Fitszimmons MEP, NU, Professor Nigel Willby BES, University of Stirling.
Eligibility Criteria
The studentship is open to Home (UK) applicants only, who propose to study their PhD full-time.
Essential criteria:
- at least a 2.1 degree in Environmental Science, Ecology or related subjects
- MSc/MRes in the above subjects however, research experience in a related field will be considered
- field work experience
- full driving license
- IELTS 6.5 overall (with 6.5 in writing and a minimum of 6.0 in all other sub-skills) if English is not your first language
Desirable criteria:
- knowledge of statistics using R
- background in river geomorphology
- evidence of working with various stakeholders
Newcastle is committed to promoting diversity, and we particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups.
How to apply
You must apply through the University’s online postgraduate application system. To do this please ‘Create a new account’ then:
- insert the programme code 8020F in the programme of study section
- select ‘PhD in the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering (full time) – Biology - 8020F as the programme of study
- insert the studentship code SNES213 in the studentship/partnership reference field
- attach a covering letter, stating how your interests and experience relate to the project, and CV.
- one page proposal on potential methodology to achieve the project aims
- attach degree transcripts and certificates and, if English is not your first language, a copy of your English language qualifications.
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