Offer Description
This project is a multidisciplinary collaboration between ATU Galway City, Teagasc, and University College Cork. It combines the expertise of personnel in the integrated fields of water quality, soil, hydrology, chemistry, and ecology and agri-environment to evaluate the efficacy and efficiency of break the pathway measures (e.g., riparian buffer zones and wetlands) to protect and improve water quality within agricultural catchments.
Within the context of a doctoral degree programme at ATU Galway City, the PhD candidate, under the guidance of the supervisory team will:
- Assess the effectiveness of implemented break the pathway measures to mitigate and reduce nutrient and sediment pollution,
- Use physico-chemical parameters and biological data (aquatic macrophytes, riparian vegetation and macroinvertebrates) to determine whether implemented break the pathway measures provide protection and improvements in water quality of adjacent aquatic water bodies during base and spate flow conditions,
- Inform the design and implementation of break the pathway measures with specific reference to pollution critical source areas, and
- Make recommendations on appropriate parameters and bioindicators for assessing the water quality of adjacent waterbodies where sediment and nutrients are pressure of concern.
The expected outcomes of this project include the identification, evaluation and dissemination of effective mitigation approaches (i.e., measures, management practices, tools and technologies) to protect and improve water quality as an essential element of sustainable agricultural systems in Ireland.
Where to apply
E-mail: ResearchOffice.galwaymayo@atu.ie
Skills/Qualifications
The candidate must
- Hold an Honours Degree with a minimum award classification of 2:1 or equivalent in a cognate discipline (Agroecology, Aquatic Ecology, Zoology, Biology, or Ecology).
AND
- Hold a full clean Irish/European Union driving license.
Specific Requirements
Applicants should submit their
- Curriculum Vitae (to include details of 2 referees)
- A copy of transcript of results
- A Personal Statement which should not exceed 1 page and must include details on: 1. How your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this PhD research programme and 2. Why you would like to pursue this PhD research programme
Applications must be submitted to ResearchOffice.galwaymayo@atu.ie e-mail address only. Please ensure all documents are emailed as a single Word or PDF file.
Additional Information
Benefits
Conditions
- €25,000 Stipend per annum
- Postgraduate fees for students will be covered by the project.
- In addition, any necessary travel and material costs incurred during the project will be covered.
Eligibility criteria
If either English or Irish is not the applicant’s first language, evidence of English language proficiency is required for registration.
Please refer to web link English Language Requirements | ATU – Atlantic Technological University view the minimum English language proficiency standards for entry to ATU
Website for additional job details: https://www.atu.ie/research/postgraduate-research-vacancies
