About the Project
The zika virus, carried by a mosquito, has resulted in increased reported incidences of microcephaly (abnormally small heads) in newborn babies in Brazil. In the short term, spraying with insecticide can reduce mosquito populations, but this is not a long term solution. It is proposed that there is a relationship between microcephaly, and inadequate provision of potable supplies, drainage and sanitation. This project will collect data focused on a case study area in the NE of the country (Ceará) where there have been many cases of microcephaly. The investigation includes the provision of a safe and secure supply of potable water, sanitation, sustainable management of stormwater, the safe disposal of greywater and rainwater harvesting. These approaches will reduce access for the mosquito to where it would normally breed, in drinking water stored in containers, in the puddles after a storm or in greywater thrown into the street. The data collected will then inform a GIS database whose impact will be to support recommendations to National and State governments on the prioritisation of public works in terms of the investment required. It will also enable the design of an appropriate Sustainable Drainage management train and maximize the efficacy of new investments in water supply nets and sustainable water management.
About the host department:
The Centre for Agroecology, Water and Resilience (CAWR) is driving innovative, transdisciplinary research on the understanding and development of resilient food and water systems internationally. The Centre’s research develops and integrates new knowledge in social, agroecological, hydrological and environmental processes, as well as the pivotal role that communities play in developing resilience. Unique to this Centre is the incorporation of citizen-generated knowledge in transdisciplinary research, using holistic approaches which cross many disciplinary boundaries. CAWR also aims to advance resilience science through creative work on a new generation of key issues linked to the governance of food systems, hydrological change, urban water, river processes, water quality and emerging pollutants.
Candidate specification:
• Entry criteria for applicants to PhD (standard)
A minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 60% mark in the Project element or equivalent with a minimum 60% overall module average.
In the event of a first degree classification of less than 2:1, a Masters Degree in a relevant subject area will be considered as an equivalent. The Masters must have been attained with overall marks at minimum merit level (60%). In addition, the dissertation or equivalent element in the Masters must also have been attained with a mark at minimum merit level (60%).
or
• a taught Masters degree in a relevant discipline, involving a dissertation of standard length written in English in the relevant subject area with a minimum of a merit profile: 60% overall module average and a minimum of a 60% dissertation mark
PLUS
• the potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the MRes within a one-year period of study
• a minimum of English language proficiency (IELTS overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component)
Additional items for candidate specification:
• knowledge and/or experience in the subject
• a good knowledge of physical geography, GIS, environmental science
• modelling or analytical experience, experience of working in the field in challenging environments would be useful
• experience of (or a willingness to quickly learn) about Sustainable Drainage Systems, disease vectors, informal settlements
How to apply:
Apply on line https://pgrplus.coventry.ac.uk/
Submitting full supporting documentation, and covering letter, plus a 2000-word proposal addressing the research theme
Complete applications (including all supporting documentation) must be submitted by 4pm January 22nd 2018
Interview dates will be confirmed to shortlisted candidates
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