Eurizon.eu

Organization: Cranfield University along with Teagasc

Location: Bedfordshire, UK

Field: Environmental Science

Requirements:

Applicants should have a First or Second Class UK honours degree, or equivalent in a relevant subject such as Environmental Science, Microbiology or a cognate subject

Abstract:

Cranfield University along with Teagasc, the Agriculture and Food Development Authority are seeking a highly motivated graduate to undertake a research project on the interaction between sludge and bacterial pathogen survival in soils.

Description:

The manner in which the biotic environment of the soil affects the survival of introduced microorganisms (such as pathogens) is the subject of on-going research at Teagasc, Johnstown Castle and Cranfield University, UK. In particular we have been studying the effect of soil microbial community structure upon the survival rate of bacterial pathogens introduced into soils. In this new PhD project we will build upon and extend this work to identify and explain the effect that the nature and pre-treatment history of sewage sludge products has on these survival dynamics in the soil. In particular we aim to test the hypothesis that the creation of hotspots rich in organic matter and nutrients will encourage localised microbial dynamics in general, which actually results in a lower survival rate of introduced pathogens, due to the additional competition and likely increased predator populations. This will involve studies on faecal indicator bacteria and bacterial pathogens in laboratory, growth chamber and field facilities. The student will have the opportunity to develop cutting edge molecular biological techniques in the field of soil microbial ecology.
This studentship is part of the END-O-SLUDG project funded through the EU Seventh Framework Programme (FP7). Addressing key sludge management issues in the context of EU climate change mitigation and energy policies, the END-O-SLUDG consortium comprises 14 partners including 7 SMEs from industry, academia and Government establishments.
 
This project builds upon some of the work of the existing Walsh Soil Biology and Slurry Management Cluster, which is a strategic partnership between Teagasc and Cranfield University, UK. The successful research student will be registered at Cranfield, and be part of the Environmental Science and Technology Doctoral Training Centre, providing access to a diverse community of scholars and wide range of research training. Cranfield academics will be part of the supervisory team, and whilst the bulk of the research will be carried out in Teagasc, there will attendance at the Cranfield campus for training and thesis monitoring meetings.
 
Supported by Teagasc, applicants are eligible for a bursary of up to €21,000 p.a. for three years dependent upon qualifications and experience (from which PhD tuition fees, currently equivalent to €5,800 for EU nationals will be deducted).

Deadline: 04-03-2011

Contacts:

Email: appliedsciences@cranfield.ac.uk

Phone number: +44 (0)1234 754086

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