Soil fauna in soil covers for mine tailings

We are seeking to recruit 1 PhD student as part of a Science Foundation of Ireland project entitled ‘Ecological engineering solutions for the long-term and sustainable management of mine processing wastes’.

Project Description

Mine wastes typically exhibit several properties inhibitory to plant growth and pedogenesis (e.g. pH extreme, elevated metals, lack of nutrients) and are susceptible to erosion risk and pollution threat. Historically, several mine waste sites have been abandoned but modern operations must develop ‘closure plans’ for the eventual rehabilitation and landscaping of these waste impoundments. The long-term performance of soils and vegetation covers in these novel ecosystems is largely unknown.

The aim of this University of Limerick (Dr Ronan Courtney) – University College Dublin (Prof Olaf Schmidt) PhD project is to identify and test soil properties (physico-chemical) and relate these to soil faunal colonization and function in mine waste environments. Elucidating the mechanisms that can accelerate soil faunal colonization and ecosystem function will lead to the development of a tool for assessing rehabilitation success. Novel methods for assessing metal bioavailability and exposure will be validated using data from ‘live’ mine waste sites and used to inform rehabilitation strategies of historic sites.

Specifically, the PhD student will;
1) design and implement appropriate sampling schemes for soil faunal groups on a range of mine waste sites in Ireland,
2) determine limiting factors to earthworm colonisation of mine wastes and soil covers in mine waste reclamation,
3) conduct mesocosm experiments testing effects of earthworm populations on soil properties and functioning capacity in soil cover for mine waste 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.

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 15th June 2018.

Funding Notes

Stipend: €18,000 per annum (tax free). Postgraduate fees (EU) will also be covered. The PhD will start on 1st September 2018 and funding is available for 4 years.

Please note if English is not your first language you have to provide evidence of your proficiency in English.