Apply for a funded PhD position

Supervisors

Dr Imke Grefe

Why this project is important

There is an urgent need to decarbonise energy generation to mitigate climate change impacts. As part of the drive to decarbonisation, floating solar photovoltaics (FPVs) show great potential as a sustainable energy source at a global scale. However, we know very little about the impact of these deployments on water quality, biodiversity, and the aquatic environment in general. Positive, as well as negative, effects of FPV deployment are possible, but we must investigate the nature and likelihood of these effects to avoid ecosystem damage and to optimise efficiency and overall environmental benefits of this new technology. You can help us fill this important knowledge gap!

The focus

Experimental FPV deployments in the United States are a substantial perturbation of the aquatic ecosystem. By covering the water body surface, FPV deployments reduce the amount of light available for photosynthesis by algae and aquatic plants, as well as wind-driven mixing of the water column. Importantly, biogeochemical cycling of nitrogen, an essential nutrient for all living beings, will be sensitive to these ecosystem perturbations. Changes to concentrations and forms of nitrogen can have cascading effects on water quality and overall ecosystem status. For example, FPV-driven changes in underwater light availability and nutrient biogeochemistry may shift plankton composition towards a dominance of potentially toxic or nuisance species. You will visit field sites in the US to collect and analyse samples from FPV deployments in lakes and reservoirs to reveal hitherto unknown effects on critical nitrogen cycling processes and ecosystem functioning.

What’s in it for the candidate

You will be trained in state-of-the-art biogeochemical and ecological methods and, by being embedded in an interdisciplinary research environment, learn about the interactions between emerging clean energy technology and aquatic ecosystem state. In addition to developing your analytical skills, you will build your research network in the UK and with our collaborators in the US. Funding has been made available to travel and collect data in the US.

Who should apply

We are looking for an enthusiastic and determined student who wishes to work with us on this topical and timely project with a minimum of a UK Honours Degree at 2:1 level. The project would suit a candidate with a background in environmental science, ecology, and geography or be able to demonstrate the required skills. They will be supported by supervisors with experience of working with industry and receive appropriate training.

Studentship funding

This funding covers the tuition fees for UK students only. There is no stipend included in this funding.

Deadline for applications

7th July 2023

Provisional interview date

TBA

Start date

July 2023

Enquiries

Interested applicants are strongly advised to get in touch to learn more about the PhD project. Please contact Dr Imke Grefe (i.grefe@lancaster.ac.uk) for more information.

Application process

1. Download the LEC Funded PhD Application Form and LEC Funded PhD Reference Form‌.
2. Complete the Application Form, renaming the document with your 'Name and Application Form' e.g., Joe Bloggs Application Form.
3. Submit the completed Application Form and a CV to lec.pgr.applications@lancaster.ac.uk
4. Please note only Word or pdf files are accepted.
5. Rename the referee form with your ‘Name and Reference’, e.g., Joe Bloggs Reference. Send the renamed reference form to two referees and request them to forward the referee document to lec.pgr.applications@lancaster.ac.uk
6. Please note only Word or pdf files are accepted. It is important that you ensure references are submitted by the closing date or as soon as possible.
7. You will receive a generic acknowledgement in receipt of successfully sending the application documents.
8. Please note that only applications submitted as per these instructions will be considered.
9. Please note that, if English is not your first language, you will be required to provide evidence of your proficiency in English. This evidence is only required if you are offered a funded PhD and is not required as part of this application process.
10. Please note that, if you do not hear from us within four weeks of the closing date then you have been unsuccessful on this occasion. If you would like feedback on your application, please contact the supervisors of the project.

Submit all applications and references to this email address: lec.pgr.applications@lancaster.ac.uk