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- Location
- Anywhere
- Date Posted
- 10 Jan 2024
- Type
- PhD Project
- Anywhere
- 10 Jan 2024
PhD fellowship
NOTE: this position listing has expired and may no longer be relevant!
Position Description
PhD Research Studentship
A 3-year EPA-funded PhD studentship is available in the Environmental Research Institute at University College Cork to study impacts of microplastics on fresh water organisms. The project is a collaboration between Prof Marcel Jansen (http://plantstress.ucc.ie/), Prof John O’Halloran (https://www.ucc.ie/en/teachlearn/people/johnohalloran/) and Dr Frank van Pelt (http://publish.ucc.ie/researchprofiles/C007/fvanpelt). The student will be based in the School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences at UCC.
Microplastics comprise small plastic particles that are widespread in the marine environment and have negative impacts on a broad range of marine species. Yet, relatively little is known about microplastics in the fresh water environment. A recent report on microplastics in the fresh water environment refers to “scarcity of information” on critical topics such as sources, environmental fate, and biological impacts. The objective of the project is to explore the impacts of different microplastics on fresh water aquatic organisms using standardised assays, focussing on representative species and biological endpoints. The project will also analyse the trophic mobility and bioaccumulation of microplastics. The data generated will be a stepping stone towards biomonitoring and bioremediation approaches.
The successful applicant will hold a good (at least 2.1 honours), relevant degree with a specialization in biology. Applications by graduates with a masters degree are particularly welcomed. The ideal candidate has experience in toxicological studies, and has expertise in handling green algae, invertebrates and/or mollusc species. A solid background in chemistry would also be an advantage The student should be highly motivated, independent, fluent in English and have excellent laboratory skills. We expect the student to work within the timetable set for the project. The student will be enrolled in the UCC postgraduate degree programme.
This is a three-year fixed-term studentship (fellowship circa. €21,500 pa inclusive of postgraduate fees). The successful applicant must be available to start April 1st, 2017.