About the Project
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a suitably qualified and strongly motivated graduate to undertake an a 2-year funded Research MSc as part of a collaboration in the Marine and Freshwater Research Centre at Atlantic Technological University, based at our Mountbellew campus in Galway.
The EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) is one of the most important pieces of legislation in relation to water quality in EU member states. Plastic pollution poses a severe threat to the biodiversity and ecological integrity of aquatic environments, impacting both natural habitats and the communities that rely on them. Rivers are critical pathways for plastic debris transport, making it crucial to intervene in rivers to prevent pollution from reaching marine ecosystems. Nature-based solutions (NbS), using nature (biodiversity) and natural processes, have been employed worldwide to address diverse socio-environmental issues.
The project will aim to:
Explore the applicability of current NbS in flood prevention for the dual purpose of mitigating the movement of plastics into waterways within an agroecosystem.
Assess the plastic pollution and how these challenges are exacerbated by climate change through alterations in hydrologic patterns, ecosystem dynamics, and retention capacities.
Requirements/Qualifications:
· The successful candidate must hold an Honours Degree (First or 2:1) in a cognate discipline (Freshwater Biology, Zoology, Ecology, Geography or a related discipline).
· Experience of aquatic fieldwork is required.
· Knowledge of freshwater ecology and plastic pollution
· Good organisational and management skills.
· Ability to work as part of a team.
· Good interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
· Demonstrated experience in statistical software packages such as PRIMER, and ArcGIS,
· A full clean (International EU) driving licence.
The candidate will be expected to work on their own initiative and be willing to acquire the broader skills necessary for the successful completion of a MSc project.
Applicants should submit:
– Curriculum Vitae (to include 2 referees)
– A copy of transcript of results
– A Personal Statement (max 1 page) outlining:
o How you meet the requirements of the position
o Why you would like to pursue this MSc research programme.
Applications must be submitted to roisin.nash@atu.ie e-mail address only (with subject line “Application to Interreg scholarship”). Please ensure all documents are emailed as a single Word or PDF file.
Funding Notes
This MSc.is funded under INTERREG Atlantic Area programme.
Conditions:
· €25,000 Stipend per annum.
· Postgraduate fees for EU and non-EU students will be covered by the project.
· In addition, any necessary travel and material costs incurred during the project will be covered.
· The student will be based at the Mountbellew campus, Co. Galway and will have access to facilities at the MFRC, ATU Galway City, Dublin Road Campus.
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 and Entry requirements to view the minimum English language proficiency standards for entry to ATU
Project Start Date: March 2026
Application Closing Date: 12 noon, Monday 30th January 2026
