About the Project
PhD Studentship (Fee waiver and Bursary)
School of Life Sciences
Cambridge Campus
Fixed term contract for 3 years, commencing April 2025
Bursary of £19,237 per annum and a full fee-waiver for UK tuition fees.
Closing date: 15 November 2024
Interview date: TBC – November/December 2024
Optimising strategies for conservation and restoration of chalk streams in Cambridgeshire
About Anglia Ruskin University:
Anglia Ruskin is a vibrant workplace and our University is recognised both nationally and internationally. We have ambitious plans for the future and we are determined that our students and staff will realise their full potential. Our main campuses at Cambridge, Chelmsford, Writtle, London and Peterborough have been transformed with major capital investment. With an annual turnover of over £200m, we are a major force for higher education and one of the largest universities in the East of England.
About the position:
Chalk streams are important, globally rare habitats, supporting many plant and animal species that continue to be impacted by human activity. There are major threats to biodiversity and water quality from excessive water extraction, proximal urban development, silt accumulation from runoff, and pollution from nitrates, phosphates and suspended solids. It is critically important that we understand better the effects of these activities have on the faunal and floral biodiversity and ecology of these streams, and put in place management strategies to maintain and enhance their ecological health.
One of the only 224 chalk streams in the UK, and part of the Upper Cam Catchment, is Hobson’s Brook, which will be the main focus of the project. The aim of this fully funded PhD project is to evaluate optimal and effective local scale conservation management interventions for Hobson’s Brook, with the knowledge gained being applicable to other similar streams. With particular focus on quantifying biodiversity and water quality responses to variation in water supply, silt clearance and of connections with other water bodies, we are keen for the candidate to develop their own ideas within this research area. As part of the application, you should briefly detail a research proposal for this project demonstrating your understanding of the wider implications your research may have and showing how your skills could contribute to reaching the objectives of ecological restoration and habitat enhancement of Hobson’s Brook and other unique chalk streams in Cambridgeshire.
The successful candidate will develop a range of skills, such as experimental and survey design, freshwater sampling, GIS and statistical analysis, and will benefit from joining the vibrant Applied Ecology Research Group. You will be working with world-leading experts in species identification and the impacts of anthropogenic activities on biodiversity, whose research is being used as evidence to shape national and international policy. We are looking for a candidate to join our team who is passionate about the environment, is excited by doing both field and laboratory work, and driven to make a real impact.
About the Studentship:
A 3-year studentship is offered, intended to start in April 2025, providing a tax-free stipend of £19,237 per annum plus tuition fees at the UK rate. Due to funding restrictions, this studentship will cover UK fees only and is a full-time position, but international applicants are welcome to apply.
Project location: Cambridge campus. Prospective candidates who would not be Cambridge-based are encouraged to contact the principal supervisor prior to application (contact details below).
Candidates for this PhD Studentship must demonstrate outstanding qualities and be motivated to complete a PhD within 3 years.
Qualifications:
Applicants should have a minimum of a 2:1 Honours degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline. For candidates for whom English is not their first language, an IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 minimum (or equivalent) is essential.
In addition to satisfying basic entry criteria, the University will look closely at the qualities, skills, and background of each candidate and what they can bring to their chosen research project in order to ensure successful and timely completion.
How to apply:
To apply, please visit Biology PhD, click ‘Apply online’ and complete the application form for full-time study with a start date of April 2025. Please ensure the reference ‘PhD Studentship: Optimising strategies for conservation and restoration of chalk streams in Cambridgeshire’ is clearly stated on the application form, under the title ‘Outline of your proposed research’.
Within this section of the application form, applicants should include a maximum 500-word outline of the skills that they would bring to this research project, describing some of the ideas for the PhD and detail any previous relevant experience.
Please also include a CV and a cover letter detailing why you want to apply and why you would fit the position well.
For informal inquiries, applicants should contact the principal supervisor, Dr Alvin Helden (alvin.helden@aru.ac.uk), or Dr Bas Boots (gerbrandus.boots@aru.ac.uk), or Dr Jim Littlemore (james.littlemore@aru.ac.uk) for more information.
For enquiries regarding the process and eligibility please contact SE-Research@aru.ac.uk.
Interviews are scheduled to take place in November/December 2024.
We value diversity at Anglia Ruskin University and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Closing Date – 15 November 2024.
