MSc / PhD studentship: Bioassays for assessing mine tailings rehabilitation strategies

Institution: University of Limerick, Ireland

Supervisors: Dr. Ronan Courtney

Advisor: Prof Mike Johnson emeritus (University of Liverpool)

Project Description:

This project funded by Rio Tinto and the International Aluminium Institute will focus on using bioassays (plant germination and growth trials; soil faunal indices) with soil characterisation and plant physiology investigations to assess the rehabilitation success of a range of mine tailings sites in Ireland and France.

The student will: (1) address systematic reviews of mine tailings environmental issues in general and within Europe in particular; and (2) develop techniques for designing and implementation of rehabilitation/ revegetation approaches for mine tailings.

Further, the student will characterise and assess for indicators of stress (e.g. indicator species, metal transfer through trophic structure) in sites already vegetated through natural colonisation and managed approaches. The student will benefit from research and training in a truly inter-disciplinary environment at University of Limerick and with industry practitioners, with further opportunities to collaborate with ecologists, engineers, geographers, sociologists, state agencies, government and regulators, industry stakeholders and local communities.

Candidate Experience:

Essential: A minimum of a 2nd class honours, grade one degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Soil Science (or similar discipline). The successful candidate must also have fluency in both English and French. Full European driving license.

Desirable: Experience with experimental design. Experience in planning fieldwork.

Position Description:

The University of Limerick (UL) with over 13,000 students and 1,300 staff is an energetic and enterprising institution with a proud record of innovation and excellence in education, research and scholarship. The dynamic, entrepreneurial and pioneering values which drive UL’s mission and strategy ensures that we capitalise on local, national and international engagement and connectivity. We are renowned for providing an outstanding student experience and conducting leading edge research. Our commitment is to make a difference by shaping the future through educating and empowering our students. UL is situated on a superb riverside campus of over 130 hectares with the River Shannon as a unifying focal point. Outstanding recreational, cultural and sporting facilities further enhance this exceptional learning and research environment.

The position is industry funded and will involve assessment of mine tailings site in Ireland and France. Time will be divided between sites in Ireland and France allowing the candidate to engage in academic research while developing strong industrial links.

This fully funded 3-year PhD studentship pays University of Limerick fees and stipend of Euro 16,000 per annum. Applicants must have a BSc and/or MSc in Environmental Science, Ecology (or similar discipline).

Application: Submit CV and cover letter of Application by February 5pm 1st 2016 to Dr Ronan Courtney ronan.courtney@ul.ie

Dr Ronan Courtney

SR 2018, Department of Life Sciences,

Faculty of Science and Engineering,

University of Limerick, Limerick.

Email: ronan.courtney@ul.ie Tel: 061-202427