PhD Research Studentships

NERC Industrial CASE Award PhD studentship: Analysis of suspended sediment structure and behaviour using novel 3-dimensional microscopy techniques

Supervisor: a.j.bushby@qmul.ac.uk
Apply by:16 September 2015

Description

Queen Mary University of London - School of Geography and School of Engineering and Materials Science, and HR Wallingford This interdisciplinary project is a collaboration between the School of Geography and the School of Engineering and Materials Science at Queen Mary University of London. QMUL was ranked in the UK’s top 10 universities for research quality in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework, and the School of Geography, where the PhD student will be based, was ranked joint 11th in the UK overall. Project outline When transported in suspension mud, silt and organic sediments form flocs (or aggregates) that are compositionally complex, fragile and irregularly shaped. The fate and transport of flocculated suspended particulate matter (SPM) and the stability of the bedforms created once settled, are governed by SPM’s physical characteristics. Yet, quantifying the physical properties of flocculated SPM remains the biggest challenge in the field of cohesive and mixed sediment transport. Current sediment transport models rely upon 2-dimensional simplifications of these complex 3-dimensional structures and estimations of characteristics (e.g. density) based upon assumptions of 3-D spherical shape. This over-simplification results from our technical inability to sample, observe and quantify flocculated SPM in 3-D and at critical spatial scales. We have developed novel protocols to sample, observe and quantify flocs (Bushby et al. 2011) using volumetric sampling techniques typically used in the biomedical sciences to examine fragile cell tissues (FIB-SEM: focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy) enabling us to visualize 3D floc structure and composition for the first time. The over-arching aim of this PhD is to develop this technique and provide new knowledge of sediment floc structure and dynamics in aquatic environments which can inform sediment transport models. The research objectives are to; 1) develop protocols for the quantification of 3D floc characteristics, 2) compare 2D measurements of floc characteristics derived using traditional techniques and new 3-D data and 3) understand how floc structure and behaviour vary with changes to sediment composition and flow characteristics. The Award The project is funded by a NERC Industrial CASE award and partnered by HR Wallingford, an independent research and technology organisation whose core activities deliver practical solutions to water-related problems. The student will be based in the School of Geography and will be expected to spend at least 4 months at HR Wallingford learning about cohesive sediment transport and modelling approaches. The studentship comprises the full cost of fees, c. £15863 per year maintenance, a £1000 per year bursary from HRW and a Research Training Support Grant from the School of Geography to support all laboratory work, conference attendance and other costs associated with the research. HR Wallingford will also provide up to £3500 to the student to cover costs associated with meetings and study visits at their offices in Wallingford. Candidate Profile This is an interdisciplinary PhD and we welcome applicants from a wide range of backgrounds who have an interest in the aquatic/sedimentary environment and are highly numerate. The candidate should have; • A first class or upper second class honours degree in e.g. Environmental/Earth Science, Geography, Environmental Engineering, Materials Science, Maths or a cognate numerate discipline (essential) • An appropriate postgraduate qualification or experience would be desirable e.g. MSc in Environmental Science, Aquatic Science or Physical Oceanography • Experience of practical work in the laboratory (essential). • Strong quantitative and/or computational and/or geospatial skills (essential). • Knowledge of aquatic environments and sediment or hydrological processes (desirable). • Knowledge of electron microscopy techniques or volumetric analysis (e.g. computed tomography) (desirable). • Ability to be self-motivated and well-organized, to deliver to deadlines and to respond to constructive criticism (essential). • Willingness to take a full part in the QMUL postgraduate community, and the research activities in the School of Geography at QMUL (essential). This studentship is open to suitably qualified candidates from the EU. If you are unsure about your eligibility please contact our Postgraduate Administrator Ayesha Sabri (geog-pgadmin@qmul.ac.uk) before application. The starting date is flexible, but it is anticipated that the PhD will start in autumn 2015. Further details and application procedure For further details about the project and the School of Geography please visit www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/pgrcoursefinder/geography/index.html To apply for the PhD please complete a college application form and attach a research proposal and statement of purpose. To discuss the project informally please contact Dr Kate Spencer (k.spencer@qmul.ac.uk). The closing date for applications is 5 pm Wednesday September 16th 2015. Interviews will be held on Friday September 25th 2015. Skype interviews will be available for overseas candidates.

Eligibility

  • The minimum requirement for this studentship opportunity is a good honours degree (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent) or MSc/MRes in a relevant discipline.
  • If English is not your first language, you will require a valid English certificate equivalent to IELTS 6.5+ overall with a minimum score of 6.0 in Writing and 5.5 in all sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking).
  • Candidates are expected to start in (Semester ).
  • SEMS and Principal-funded studentships: this studentship arrangement covers home tuition fees and provides an annual stipend for up to three years (currently set at the 2023/24 stipend rate of £20,622 pa)
  • Note that Queen Mary Research Studentships cover home-rated tuition fees only (See: www.welfare.qmul.ac.uk/money/feestatus/ for details)
  • Overseas applicants would be required to meet the difference between home and international tuition fees

Contact

For informal enquiries about this opportunity, please contact a.j.bushby@qmul.ac.uk.