Phlorum Limited - 3 Year Industry-led funded PhD: Novel approaches for mitigating the environmental impacts of Japanese knotweed

Japanese knotweed is listed as one of the world's 100 worst invasive species by the World Conservation Union. The cost of eradicating knotweed in the UK using current control methods is estimated at £1.56 billion, with only limited likelihood of success. This project will adopt a multidisciplinary, ‘chemical biology’ approach to develop new biochemical solutions for the control of Japanese knotweed. Laboratory-based studies will identify bioactive compounds that interfere directly with the normal growth or metabolism of actively growing knotweed. The efficacy and mode of action of compounds identified will be examined in planta in controlled environment and glasshouse studies.

Applicants should hold a minimum of a first-class or 2.1 (Hons) degree, or Masters degree (or equivalent) in a plant physiological, biochemical or closely associated subject.

Collaborative Partners:
The doctoral research project will be supervised by Lancaster University (http://www.lancaster.ac.uk/) and Phlorum Limited (http://www.phlorum.com/). Phlorum is an environmental consultancy providing services in: Japanese Knotweed removal, air quality, sustainability, contaminated land, environmental management, ecological surveys and noise/vibration assessments for the real estate, industrial, and infrastructure sectors. They are experts in evaluating and mitigating Japanese knotweed property risks, including guiding the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

Application details
To apply for this opportunity please email [Email Address Removed] with:
-A CV (2 pages maximum)
-PhD Application Form: http://bit.ly/cgephdap
-Application Criteria Document: http://bit.ly/cgephdapcr
-Funded PhD Reference Form: http://bit.ly/cgephdref
-Reference number: CGE 6

Application deadline
29th January 2017.

Centre for Global Eco-Innovation
For further information please visit http://www.globalecoinnovation.org/

This doctoral research project is one of a cohort of industry-led funded research projects from the Centre for Global Eco-Innovation, an international alliance supporting university-business collaboration. The Centre delivers high quality, business-led research to create eco-innovative technologies, products and services.

At the heart of the Centre are people who are researching, developing and innovating to address global challenges, including energy, water, natural capital, resource efficiency, food, and waste, to deliver economic, social and environmental benefits. Launched in 2012 the Centre and has won two national awards for its ground breaking approach to sustainable R&D and knowledge exchange.