About the Project
This project is part of the NERC-funded Centre for Doctoral Training, ECOWILD. For more details, and for a full list of projects offered under this programme, please visit: https://ecowild.site.hw.ac.uk/
Estuaries are ecologically sensitive sites but essential for many bird species. They are under threat from sea-level rise and water contamination, but also are key to tidal energy, which has enormous potential to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. This project will model these multiple drivers of change and the impact on internationally important bird species. The project focuses on predicting future changes using a range of modelling techniques. The supervisory team has a range of expertise, including mathematical modelling, avian ecology, and numerical modelling. You will also work with the RSPB with the opportunity of a placement there.
The project requires a diverse skill set and support will be put in place depending on the experience, expertise and skills the applicant brings. The student will develop skills in mathematical and numerical modelling using state-of-the-art models, such as Thetis (https://thetisproject.org/), and machine learning. Development of ecological models will require skills in scripting (Python, R or Matlab). The student will gain expertise on tidal energy, avian ecology and ecological modelling. The student will also gain experience on collecting field data with RSPB. We expect the student to be able to use these skills and expertise in academia or industry following the PhD.
For more information on supervisors see:
https://envmodellinggroup.github.io/
https://www.sams.ac.uk/people/researchers/szewczyk-dr-tim/
https://pure.uhi.ac.uk/en/persons/elizabeth-masden
https://uk.linkedin.com/in/drlucywright
We will be holding ‘meet the supervisor’ events on March 25th, 26th and 27th (online) – if you can’t make these but are interested in this project, please contact the lead supervisor directly (see below for details).
Links to the scheduled ‘meet the supervisor’ events, as well as the full list of projects advertised under this CDT, can be found here: https://ecowild.site.hw.ac.uk/phd-training/
How to apply: You must apply via the ECOWILD website: https://ecowild.site.hw.ac.uk/how-to-apply/
We recognise that not every talented researcher will have had the same opportunities to advance their careers. We therefore will account for any particular circumstances that applicants disclose (e.g. parental leave, caring duties, part-time jobs to support studies, disabilities etc.) to ensure an inclusive and fair recruitment process.
Funding Notes
This is a full scholarship which will cover tuition fees for Home students and provide an annual stipend in line with UKRI recommended levels (£19,237 in 2024-25) for the 44 months duration of the project.
Due to CDT funding rules and Institutional policies, there is a cap on the number of scholarships that can be awarded to international students. Once this limit has been reached, ECOWILD CDT scholarship will only be awarded to students who are eligible for Home fee status.
General enquiries: ecowild@hw.ac.uk
Project specific enquiries: jon.hill@york.ac.uk
