Prof Paul Kemp, Dr S Sharkh
Applications accepted all year round
About the Project
An EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Sustainable Infrastructure Systems (CDT-SIS) funded PhD studentship is available to study the influence of electromagnetic and electric fields on fish behaviour. The studentship duration is 4 years with the first year dedicated to skills development as part of the EPSRC funded Centre for Doctoral Training. The period of research conducted between years 2-4 will use state-of-the-art experimental infrastructure at the University of Southampton in collaboration with industry partners.
The project returns to fundamental first principles to quantify the influence of electromagnetic and electric fields on the behaviour of multiples species of fish of high economic and conservation concern. A secondary aim, more applied in nature, is to investigate the potential to use electromagnetic and electric fields in isolation or in combination (including with behavioural stimuli or physical screens) to protect fish at water intakes (e.g. power plants or water supply facilities). Innovative approaches to quantify fish behaviour to test stimuli using fine-scale controlled experiments will be developed under laboratory conditions.
Well-qualified candidates should have a degree in either a physics/ engineering related subject or in biology/environmental sciences. The candidate should be prepared to attempt to bridge the disciplinary divide, have an innate curiosity driven interest in research and be prepared to learn new subjects (e.g. associated with animal behaviour and electromagnetism / electric currents). If from a biology related background previous experience (e.g. A-level) in either physics or maths would be advantageous. Other skills include the ability to work well with others; fluency in English and experience of technical writing in English; ability to handle multiple complex tasks simultaneously and stick to deadlines; ability to work to a high level of accuracy and precision under laboratory conditions; hold a full drivers licence; be able to prepare high-quality scientific reports and presentations as required.
The successful candidate will join a team of researchers at the International Centre for Ecohydraulics Research (ICER: www.icer.soton.ac.uk) at the Faculty of Engineering and the Environment and will receive training and gain experience in a range of techniques associated with this research area.
Applications for this PhD research project are accepted on a rolling basis and we therefore advise you to apply early if you are interested. To make your application please go to: http://www.southampton.ac.uk/engineering/postgraduate/research_degrees/apply.page
If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Paul Kemp, the International Centre for Ecohydraulics Research, Email: [Email Address Removed], Tel: +44 (0) 2380 595871.
Funding Notes
This project is being run in participation with the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Sustainable Infrastructure Systems (http://www.cdt-sis.soton.ac.uk/). For details of our 4 Year PhD programme and further projects, please see http://www.findaphd.com/search/PhdDetails.aspx?CAID=2477