PhD Studentship in Geochemistry and Catchment Processes (Welsh Medium)

The School of Environment, Natural Resources and Geography at Bangor University are offering a PhD studentship in the fields of geochemistry and catchment processes. The geology of North Wales has provided significant earth resources (e.g. slate, base and precious metals) that have been exploited at an industrial scale for the past two centuries. Extractive industries in North Wales are now mostly closed; however, there has been a marked environmental impact of this exploitation in a number of locations in the region. The surface drainage network is a primary recipient of contaminants released from both active and inactive quarries and mines. Effective environmental management in these regions requires an understanding: 1) of the impact of extractive industries upon water quality, 2) how water quality varies at a range of temporal and spatial scales and 3) options available to remediate contamination problems where they arise.

 The project will work with industrial and regulatory partners and local community groups on investigating aquatic chemistry within a polluted river network in a post-indistrial area of North Wales, and identifying appropriate remediation technologies. The student will be required to develop an expertise in the field of fluvial geomorphology, aquatic geochemistry and pollution control.

 The studentships will cover fees and a maintenance allowance for 4 years (candidates without an M Level degree) or 3 years (candidates with an M Level Degree). A further year will be funded during which the successful candidate will be an employed member of staff to undertake teaching duties in the field of Geography through the medium of Welsh.

Applicants must have a first or upper second-class honours degree in Geography or a related Environmental Science or a MSc in a related subject. The ability to conduct the research in Welsh is essential.

Closing Date  - 31 May 2012

 Informal enquiries: Dr Paula Roberts (p.roberts@bangor.ac.uk) or Dr Graham Bird (g.bird@bangor.ac.uk)

Application: By curriculum vitae (including the name and contact details of TWO referees) and a covering letter to: Dr Paula Roberts, School of Environment, Natural Resources and Geography, Thoday Building, Deiniol Road, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2UW.

Publication date: 24 April 2012