UK : Research Studentships at Harper Adams University College

Research Studentships in The Use of Composts and Other Recycled Materials in Green Roof Growing Media, Harper Adams University College, UK

The use of green roofs has the potential to reduce both the risk of flooding through run-off attenuation and reduce energy costs of heating and air-conditioning owing to their insulating properties. These features along with additional biodiversity and social benefits have led to a growing awareness of the benefits of green roofs. Green roof growing media need to have specific properties to help plants cope with environmental extremes encountered on roofs. Media are based on a mixture of mineral and organic substrates not all of which are recycled.

A fully recycled medium would be desirable. A three year PhD studentship involving elements of both soil science and plant physiology is available to investigate the properties of recycled green waste in mixture with mineral media as a substrate for green roofs. Further details of the project and facilities are available here.

Successful applicants will normally be expected to hold either a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree in a physical science e.g. Soil Science, Applied Biology, Horticulture/Agriculture or a related subject.

The research student will be expected to acquire generic research skills (e.g. communication, data analysis) by registering for the Harper Adams Postgraduate Certificate in Research Skills (tuition fee included in the studentship).

The studentship is available 1st February 2009 and includes tuition fees, consumables and conference allowance and a maintenance grant of £12,500 in Year 1 rising to £13,000 in Year 2 and then £13,500 in Year 3 dependent on satisfactory progress.

For informal enquiries applicants may contact Dr Martin Hare (mhare@harper-adams.ac.uk)

Applicants should send their Curriculum Vitae with the names and contact details of two referees, together with a covering letter, to Mrs V Slann, Postgraduate Research Administrator, Harper Adams University College, Newport, Shropshire, TF10 8NB (vslann@harper-adams.ac.uk).

The closing date for receipt of applications is Wednesday 7th January 2009.

It is intended to hold interviews either in person (UK resident applicants) or by video conferencing (overseas applicants) on Wednesday 21st January 2009.