PhD Studentship
Riding the Storm: salinity pulses, micro-organisms, and ecosystem processes in coastal grasslands
Plymouth University -The Faculty of Science and Technology
DoS: Dr Mick Hanley (michael.hanley@plymouth.ac.uk, tel.: 01752 584631)
Co-supervisors: Dr Rich Boden (rich.boden@plymouth.ac.uk, tel.: 01752 584452)
Dr Richard Billington: (richard.billington@plymouth.ac.uk, tel.: 01752 584659)
Applications are invited for a three-year PhD studentship. The studentship will start on October 1st 2012.
Project Description
One likely manifestation of anthropogenic climate change is an increased incidence of storm surge events. Salt-water flooding of low-lying terrestrial grasslands can have a major impact on plant community structure and function, although the mechanisms underpinning these changes are not well understood. Interactions between plants and soil organisms may be pivotal as processes such as N-cycling and decomposition are strongly linked to plant-microbial interactions. This project will investigate how sea water flooding affects 1) the soil fauna and microbial flora, 2) decomposition and N-cycling and 3) plant biochemistry and thus decomposition rates.
One likely manifestation of anthropogenic climate change is an increased incidence of storm surge events. Salt-water flooding of low-lying terrestrial grasslands can have a major impact on plant community structure and function, although the mechanisms underpinning these changes are not well understood. Interactions between plants and soil organisms may be pivotal as processes such as N-cycling and decomposition are strongly linked to plant-microbial interactions. This project will investigate how sea water flooding affects 1) the soil fauna and microbial flora, 2) decomposition and N-cycling and 3) plant biochemistry and thus decomposition rates.
The successful applicant will receive state-of-the-art training in metagenomics, stable isotope probing, HPLC, and ecological assay techniques and will thus have the opportunity to develop a remarkable range of skills at the same time as addressing one of the most pressing issues in coastal protection.
Eligibility
Applicants should have (at least) a first or upper second class honours degree in an appropriate subject and preferably a relevant MSc or MRes qualification.
Applicants should have (at least) a first or upper second class honours degree in an appropriate subject and preferably a relevant MSc or MRes qualification.
The studentship is supported for 3 years and includes full Home/EU tuition fees plus a stipend of £13,590 per annum. The studentship will only fully fund those applicants who are eligible for Home/EU fees with relevant qualifications. Applicants normally required to cover overseas fees will have to cover the difference between the Home/EU and the overseas tuition fee rates (approximately £9,450 per annum).
If you wish to discuss this project further informally, please contact Dr Rich Boden by emailrich.boden@plymouth.ac.uk However, applications must be made in accordance with the details shown below.
HOW TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION:For an application form and full details on how to apply, please visit www.plymouth.ac.uk/postgraduate Applicants should send a completed application form along with a covering letter detailing their suitability for the studentship, C.V., and 2 references to Catherine Johnson, Faculty of Science and Technology Research Office, Room A425, Portland Square, Plymouth PL4 8AA or email catherine.johnson@plymouth.ac.uk
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview in the week beginning Monday 27 August 2012. We regret that we may not be able to respond to all applications. Applicants who have not received an offer of a place by 23August 2012 should consider their application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.
Closing date: 12 noon, Wednesday 15 August 2012
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