Two PhD studentships
are being solicited to work on an Irish EPA funded three‐year project led by
Institute of Technology, Sligo and partnered with Queen's University Belfast
and INVAS Biosecurity, to tackle IAS problems with multiple approaches.
Invasive species are a global problem. The European Union has ramped-up efforts to
enhance collaboration and cooperation between member countries and to improve
their abilities to reduce introduction, spread and impacts of invasive
species.
To that end, the EU has initiated several Cooperation in
Science and Technology (COST) Action projects focused on invasive species, one
of which is COST Action 1209 European
Information System for Alien Species http://www.cost.eu/COST_Actions/fa/TD1209. The aim of COST Action TD1209 is to facilitate enhanced
knowledge gathering and sharing through a network of experts, providing support
to a European IAS information system which will enable effective and informed
decision-making in relation to IAS. An overarching priority will be to identify
the needs and formats for alien species (AS) information by different user
groups and specifically for implementation of EU 2020 Biodiversity Strategy.
Correspondingly early warning tools and rapid response protocols will be
developed.
Center Co-Director Douce has been participating in this and
other Invasive Species-focused COST Action projects to gain an understanding of
EU approaches to dealing with Invasive Species and to look for possibilities of
exchanging information and information technology capabilities that would be
beneficial to all parties involved.
The call for applicants came through the COST Action TD1209
communications systems.
Students will join a range of research projects on
invasive species being conducted by these partners to tackle IAS problems with
multiple approaches. Each PhD will benefit from research and training in a
truly inter-disciplinary environment with further opportunities to collaborate
with ecologists, engineers, geographers, sociologists, state agencies,
government and regulators, industry stakeholders and local communities.
One PhD will be based at IT Sligo and the other in
QUB. Applications can be made to one or both of these PhDs before January
22nd 2016.
PhD 1
Institution: CERIS Research Centre, Institute of
Technology, Sligo
Supervisors: Dr. Frances Lucy (IT Sligo), Prof. Jaimie
Dick (QUB) and Dr. Joe Caffrey (INVAS Biosecurity,Ltd.)
This PhD student will: (1) address systematic reviews
and horizon scans of IAS issues in general and within Ireland in particular;
and (2) develop communications for prevention, control and eradication of IAS.
Further, the student will examine and develop IAS biosecurity protocols (e.g.
surveys of vectors, IAS signage) at points of entry (e.g. ports) and, in the
field, develop herbicide/adjuvant control methods for the invasive terrestrial
plant, Winter heliotrope, Petasites fragrans.
Application: Submit a CV and Letter of Motivation by
January 22 at 5pm to Dr Frances Lucy lucy.frances@itsligo.ie
Funding: This fully funded 3-year PhD studentship pays
IT Sligo fees plus a stipend of Euro 16,000 per annum. Applicants must have a
BSc and/or MSc in Environmental Science, Ecology (or similar discipline).
PhD 2
Institution: School of Biological Sciences, Queens
University Belfast
Supervisors: Prof. Jaimie Dick (QUB), Dr. Frances Lucy
(IT Sligo) and Dr. Joe Caffrey (INVAS Biosecurity,Ltd.)
This PhD student will address: (1) systematic reviews
and horizon scans of IAS issues in general and within Ireland in particular;
(2) development of communications for prevention, control and eradication of
IAS. Further, the student will develop biosecurity protocols with
disinfectants, such as Virkon, using ecotoxicological methods and, in the
laboratory and field, develop control and eradication methods for the invasive
Asian clam, Corbicula fluminea (e.g. based on dry ice application).
Application: http://www.findaphd.com/search/ProjectDetails.aspx?PJID=69924.
Prospective applicants may contact the lead supervisor, Prof Jaimie Dick at j.dick@qub.ac.uk.
Funding: This fully funded 3-year PhD studentship pays
UK University tuition fees (currently £4,052 per annum) and stipend of
£14,057stg per annum. Applicants must have a BSc and/or MSc in Ecology (or
similar discipline), or equivalent qualifications.
Dr. Frances Lucy,
Director of CERIS,
School of Science,
Institute of Technology, Sligo,
Ash Lane,
Sligo,
Ireland
Phone: +353-719305693
Board Member: Inland Fisheries Ireland