School of Natural Sciences: Funded PhD Scholarship

Project Title: The dynamics and controls of the carbonate system in Irish coastal and shelf waters

Summary of the Project:

Continental shelves are large and productive areas of the ocean and as such are a critical component of the carbon cycle. Knowledge of the carbonate system in shelf waters is key to understanding their variable status as source or sinks of CO2, which in turn is crucial to the accuracy of global and regional climate models. Coastal and nearshore waters, though much smaller in areal extent than continental shelves, are also important sources and sinks of carbon, and understanding the carbonate system here is of high importance. The goal of this Fellowship is to (a) test the hypothesis that the western Irish shelf is net sink of CO2 and (b) to test whether nearshore ecosystems such as seagrass and macro algal beds are a significant contribution to the CO2 sink capacity of the shelf. The student will divide their time between the Marine Institute and NUIG main campus interacting with the lively marine research community at both institutions. In addition to working up existing data on inorganic carbonate parameters on the western Irish shelf and nearshore waters, the student will consider how to collect and integrate data relating to organic matter cycling in shelf and nearshore waters, to fill in this gap in our knowledge and to complement ongoing monitoring of the carbonate system. The project will forge links with the JPI Oceans/JPI Climate project CE2COAST (https://www.ce2coast.com/) and the Marine Institute funded BlueC and Quest projects which are just starting.

Stipend: €18,500 per annum & fees for 4 years

Entry Requirements:

• A PhD qualification in marine science or a relevant scientific area.
• Relevant post qualification work experience in a scientific or technical environment including field work, data collection and biological sampling.
• A high level of knowledge of the regulatory framework within which projects involving animals are managed and the legal responsibilities of researchers.
• Documented training in the use of animals for scientific purposes.
• Demonstrated experience of working safely in a laboratory/field environment and the use of standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Strong data handling skills.
• Effective organisation and administration skills.
• A high level of computer literacy including the use of standard office software packages.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively at all levels both in writing and verbally with technical and scientific and non-technical groups.
• Proven track record in effectively preparing scientific reports and peer-reviewed scientific papers.
• Good time management and the ability to prioritise and meet deadlines.
• The ability to work unsupervised and to work well with others.
• Sea going experience and sufficiently fit to pass an ENG II Medical and participate in appropriate mandatory safety related training.
• A full clean Driving License

How to Apply:

Please email a letter of introduction and a current CV, indicating your research experience and including the names of two referees, to Dr. Rachel Cave rachel.cave@nuigalway.ie with the subject line ‘Cullen Ph.D. Application’.

Closing date for Applications:

Closing date for applications: Thursday 30th June 2022 (but will remain open until filled)

Expected start date: 1st September 2022. For informal discussion, contact Dr. Rachel Cave at rachel.cave@nuigalway.ie line ‘Cullen Ph.D. Application’

Use of data- all personal data and the information submitted for this application will be used solely for the purpose of this campaign, after which it will be deleted in line with our data and documents policy. All information will be treated with the strictest confidence and accessed only by those involved directly in the campaign.
Marine Institute is an equal opportunities employer