Postdoctoral Research Assistant – Wetland/Aquatic Ecology
Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Assistant position at the Centre for Freshwater Studies, Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT). This study, led by DkIT, forms part of the £4 million INTERREG IVA funded
Tellus Border Project. The position is a two-year appointment, starting September 2011.Position Summary:
The researcher will participate in a project that will:• Investigate the water delivery mechanisms and water requirements for a range of different types of wetlands in the border counties of Ireland, and
• Describe and characterise the biological communities within these wetland systems.
Emphasis will be placed on developing an understanding of the relationships between hydrology, hydrogeology, water quality and ecology in order to examine the environmental supporting conditions required to maintain or enhance the ecosystem health. The project will commence with a compilation of wetland habitats in the Border counties. Selected wetlands will be chosen from the initial desk study for detailed site-specific research.
The project builds on the award-winning Tellus Project in Northern Ireland, which produced new environmental maps and digital data of soils, rocks and stream waters of the whole of Northern Ireland. Tellus Border and other spatial geoscientific data will be used to examine the influence of geological, geochemical, hydrological and hydrogeological factors on the location and development of wetland habitats.
Qualifications:
Candidates are required to have completed a Ph.D. in aquatic/wetland ecology, hydroecology or hydrology/hydrogeology and ideally have experience of characterising wetland/aquatic ecosystem processes. However, in exceptional cases candidates with an MSc and several years of relevant post-Masters experience may be considered. Applicants with field experience in water quality sampling/analysis, ecological mapping, the design and implementation of experimental methodologies, and field hydrogeology/hydrology will be given priority. Peer-reviewed publications already in print, in press or submitted will be looked on favourably. Excellent quantitative analytical skills, well-developed communication and cognitive skills, and a desire to work in a team-oriented environment are essential. Experience in working in a multi-disciplinary team and project management would be an advantage. Familiarity with geographic information systems (GIS) is desirable. Candidates should hold a valid driver's license.The project is funded by the INTERREG IVA development programme of the European Regional Development Fund, which is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). The project is a joint initiative between the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI), the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland (GSNI), DkIT and Queen's University, Belfast (QUB).
Expected salary for this position is €37,750 (point 1 of the IUA scale). For further details please contact Dr Suzanne Linnane: suzanne.linnane@dkit.ie. Application forms may be accessed on the DkIT online erecruitment system. No other form of application will be accepted. Further information is available on the Institute website. Closing date for receipt of applications is Friday 9th September at 4pm.
