Environmental supporting conditions for fens

A PhD student is sought for a 3 year EPA-funded project with the overall aim to define appropriate metrics to establish and define environmental supporting conditions for different groundwater dependent terrestrial ecosystems (GWDTEs), in particular fens, raised bogs and turloughs. This PhD studentship will focus on the fens. The research will first synthesise existing ecological / hydrological studies on fens that have been carried out in Ireland with reference to other relevant studies abroad. It will then identify additional sites which will be instrumented to gather hydrological, water quality and ecological data to provide additional complementary studies / knowledge. The environmental supporting conditions for the ecosystems within fens will be assessed and appropriate metrics compared which are able to characterise these conditions, as well as variations to these conditions with regard to the sustainability of the wetland. These metrics could be based upon pressure-level drivers (e.g. hydrology, hydrochemistry etc.) and response effects (e.g. biological communities etc.). This work will also be informed by remote sensing activities which will be carried out in parallel as part of the wider project.

An outstanding student with interests in hydrology/hydrogeology and ecology is required. Applicants should have a strong motivation for research and be able to demonstrate ability in fieldwork as well as numerical analysis. Applicants should possess a first class honours degree in Earth Science, Engineering or Environmental Science. A Masters level qualification in Hydrogeology / Environmental Science would also be desirable. The successful candidate will join a large Environmental Engineering research group at Trinity College Dublin but will also work in collaboration with the School of Natural Sciences. The position is fully funded for three years and brings with it a stipend of €18,000/year plus EU fees together with provision for conference and external course attendance. To apply, please send a full CV and contact details for 3 academic referees, together with a letter of motivation, to Prof Laurence Gill at [Email Address Removed] (+353 1896 1047) from whom further particulars may also be requested. The deadline for applications is 30th April 2017 for a start not later than 1st September 2017.