Dr R Courtney
No more applications being accepted
Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
About the Project
Mineral processing residue stored in a disposal area is required to be fully remediated using best techniques of rehabilitation, revegetation and landscaping post closure. Mineral processing residue can exhibit several properties inhibitory to plant growth and ecosystem development. Developing rehabilitation strategies and assessment criteria for monitoring success are requirements for industry and are needed to comply with regulatory requirements.
The aim of this University of Limerick (Dr Ronan Courtney) PhD project is to develop rehabilitation strategies for an ore residue and to assess soil properties and vegetation performance from established field treatments. Assessment of nutrient content and bioavailability as well as trace element content in rehabilitated residue and vegetation will be assessed. Further analytical procedures will be employed to assess soil quality in the rehabilitated substrate.
Specifically, the PhD student will:
1. Design and implement appropriate rehabilitation and sampling schemes for assessing soil quality and vegetation growth on an ore residue site in Ireland.
2. Determine limiting factors to plant establishment and growth in rehabilitated ore processing residues.
3. Conduct pot based experiments testing the effects of amendments for ore processing residue rehabilitation.
Requirements
1. First-class or 2.1 BSc (honours) degree, or Masters degree (or equivalent) in ecology, environmental science, soil science or related discipline.
2. Excellent scientific, organisational, project management and communication skills.
3. Commitment to research and excellent problem solving skills.
4. Ability to work independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary research team.
5. Excellent communications both written and spoken in English.
6. Full driving license.
7. Strong commitment to safety both on site and in the laboratory
For further information or informal discussion about the position, please contact Dr Ronan Courtney ([Email Address Removed], tel.: 061 202427). Please send your application, including cover letter, evidence of academic achievements (transcripts) and CV (with contact details of at least two academic referees) to Dr Ronan Courtney at [Email Address Removed]. The deadline for receipt of applications is 18th July 2019.
Funding Notes
Stipend: €18,000 per annum (tax free). Postgraduate fees (EU) will also be covered. The PhD will start on 1st September 2019 and funding is available for 4 years.