Dr D Gwynn-Jones
No more applications being accepted
Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)
About the Project
Are you interested in environmental protection and the conservation of biodiversity against invasive Rhododendron in Snowdonia? Would you describe yourself as a creative and determined individual that would be willing to engage in a mix of field and laboratory work to respond to this ecological problem? Do you want the opportunity to work with some of the most influential Conservation organisations in the UK? This position will give you three years of professional training and experience targeting this important Conservation issue which has international significance.
Aberystwyth University is offering the following fully funded 3 year Ph.D. working on the control of Rhododendron ponticum in Snowdonia. Research and training will be delivered by IBERS, Aberystwyth University in partnership with Snowdonia National Park (SNPA), Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and Forest Research Wales (FRW). IBERS is a world leading research and teaching Institute that focuses on land management and agriculture. This project targets the invasive species Rhododendron ponticum L. which competes with other species by dense shading and production of growth inhibiting chemicals in its soil. The species represents a significant problem in North Wales, thriving in the mild climate and acidic soils of Snowdonia.
The project will be integrated with a current control programme for this species directed by the SNPA and NRW. The student will focus on post clearance control by investigating regeneration of Rhododendron ponticum, the soil seedbank, soil chemistry and how leachates from R. ponticum affect fauna and flora. It will also consider how the soil can be manipulated to promote recovery of vegetation post-clearance of R. ponticum.
Aims are to:
• investigate how intact and cleared Rhododendron ponticum stands affect soil properties vegetation regeneration and off site impacts.
• assess how soil amendments can be used to inhibit the regeneration of R. ponticum in Snowdonia.
• scope the potential to introduce control and amendment measures at a landscape level.
Methods and outline of activities
Year 1: Exploratory field work in Snowdonia looking at R. ponticum impacts pre and post clearance; Glasshouse studies to screen soils, seed banks and to assess how soil amendments can be used to mitigate R. ponticum impacts.
Year 2: Field experiments involving amendments including assessment of vegetation cover and productivity, soil characteristics, seed banks and impact on aquatic systems.
Year 3: Field experiments plus application of new methods in the Snowdonia National Park.
The prospective applicant should have a minimum of a 1st or good 2:1 in a relevant degree, and be available to take up the studentship by the 30th January 2017, or as soon as possible thereafter.
To apply, please submit the following to the Postgraduate Admissions Office (email [Email Address Removed]) by 25th November 2016:
1. A completed Postgraduate Application Form, plus two references submitted by the deadline. Application and reference forms may be downloaded from http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/postgrad/howtoapply/apply-offline/.
2. A completed KESS participant application form (put the reference number AU20003 in the top right hand box) and an up-to-date CV. KESS application forms are available to download at the link below. https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/rbi/staff-students/knowledge-economy-skills-scholarships/currentscholarshipvacanciesandapplicationforms/
3. A PhD proposal of up to 1,000 words where you expand on your experience and interests and describe why you are a good candidate for this research studentship. Please refer to the Project Description.
Informal enquiries should be made to Dr Dylan Gwynn-Jones at [Email Address Removed] or 01970 622318.
Quote Reference AU20003
Funding Notes
Part-funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) through the European Union’s Convergence programme. KESS PhD scholarships are collaborative awards with external partners. Each scholarship is exempt from registration fees, provides a stipend of £14,002 pa, plus a budget for travel, equipment/consumables and training. The achievement of a Postgraduate Skills Development Award (PSDA) is compulsory, and PhD Theses must be submitted 6 months after the funded three year period. Eligibility: on starting the scholarship you must be resident in the Convergence Area of Wales (https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/media/departmental/ccs/kess/convergence-map.pdf) and eligible to take paid employment in the area on completion of the scholarship.
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