Job Description
PhD in Environmental Engineering (Groundwater Nature-based Solutions)Job Type: GraduateJob Rank: PhD StudentshipJob Institution: Trinity College Dublin, The University of DublinJob Description: The Dept of Civil, Structural & Environmental Engineering, Trinity College Dublin invites applications for a fully funded PhD position available at Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin, Ireland, to work on a research project related to the application of Groundwater Nature-based Solutions (NbS). The position forms part of a larger European Water JPI Project entitled ClimEx-PE. The successful candidates will join an active research group at Trinity College Dublin, working under the supervision of Prof. Patrick Morrissey. The environmental research group at TCD is a multidisciplinary team with experience and expertise in environmental engineering, hydrology, hydrogeology, numerical modelling, wastewater treatment, microbial ecology, and applied bioinformatics.The successful PhD candidate will contribute to this European project primarily by completing a case study of an existing Irish group water scheme utilising groundwater which is thought to be experiencing supply issues due to climate impacts and then utilising MAR techniques to augment the supply and provide a buffer to climate impacts. This will be carried out using a combination of field studies and numerical modelling. This local scale study will then feed into the wider transnational project to produce a new and upscaled nature-based MAR (NB-MAR) approach for regional scale mitigation of extreme hydroclimatic events.Objectives for the Irish study:Complete a characterisation of the study site through desk and field studies specifically aimed at fully quantifying the associated recharge zone and mechanisms and producing a detailed conceptual model.Develop detailed numerical groundwater and hydrological models of the study site.Carry out scenario analysis utilising high resolution climate data and trialling the incorporation of various MAR techniques.Carry out targeted field studies to validate the conceptual model and/or trial limited MAR techniques.Complete surveys of group water scheme members to determine current awareness of potential future climate impacts to their groundwater supply.Contribute to various other work packages associated with the wider European project as required.This PhD post will commence by the latest date of April 1st 2024.Funding Information: The project is sponsored by the Irish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).Qualifications:Essential: Honours Degree (minimum 2:1) in a relevant discipline (environmental or natural science, civil and environmental engineering or another related discipline) from an internationally recognised institution.Desirable: A Masters level qualification in hydrogeology, environmental science or environmental engineering would be desirable.Knowledge & Experience:Essential:Knowledge of hydrogeology, civil/environmental engineering, hydrology or environmental science.Experience in either groundwater or hydrological modelling.A strong motivation for research and be able to demonstrate ability in data analysis, statistics and programming (R and PYTHON) or demonstrate the capacity to develop such skills.Demonstrated organisational skills, time management and ability to work to priorities.Ability to write research reports or other publications to a publishable standard.Desirable:Knowledge of Irish soils, hydrogeology and hydrology would be a major advantage.Experience in coding with R or PYTHON.Experience in instrumenting field study sites and field sampling for water quality analysis.Experience in laboratory water quality analysis (chemical/microbial etc.).Experience in hydrological flow gauging would be an advantage.Full clean drivers licence (preference will be given to applicants who can provide proof of a full clean drivers licence as this will be necessary to undertake the fieldwork).Skills & Competencies: Candidates must possess strong analytical and communication (written and oral English) skills and work in a collaborative environment. In addition, the candidate will prepare manuscripts and present results at national and international conferences.We would offer:Competitive stipend with tuition fees fully covered.Supportive research environment forming part of a dynamic research group.Multidisciplinary collaboration for convergence research.Professional development opportunities, including travel fund for attending conferences and workshops.Application Procedure: Applicants should send a cover letter describing their research experience and interests, a detailed Curriculum Vitae, names and contact details of 2 referees, and 2 representative peer-reviewed articles to:Name: Dr. Patrick MorrisseyEmail Address: patrick.morrissey@tcd.iePlease include the job title in the subject of your e-mail. Those who are shortlisted will be contacted for an interview. #J-18808-Ljbffr