Carbon fluxes in the uplands and implications for national inventories

Summary

Northern Ireland peatlands, and upland peats in particular, are currently devalued in terms of carbon due to the broad default emissions factors that are applied across these environments (Evans et al., 2023). Full carbon budgets from gaseous and fluvial pathways are not common at national/regional scale (Tier 3) (Koehler et al., 2010). The research aim is to investigate the validity of these default values through primary data collection.

The objectives for the proposed 4-year PhD research will combine applied and process-based research. Inventories of gaseous and fluvial carbon will be important for emissions factor development, as well as understanding of these processes in Northern Ireland uplands. Three objectives are therefore to:

1. Build  a gaseous and fluvial carbon inventory for upland peat environments in  Northern Ireland
2. Investigate  meteorological and environmental controls on gaseous and fluvial carbon  exchange processes in Northern Ireland peatlands
3. Scale  the findings to a Northern Ireland upland peat emissions factor and provide a  roadmap for policy and management

The project will include training in gaseous and fluvial carbon processes using state of the art equipment and the researcher will be funded to attend international courses in this area.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• A demonstrable interest in the research area associated with the studentship

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
• Research project completion within taught Masters degree or MRES
• Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications record appropriate to career stage
• Experience of presentation of research findings
• Use of personal initiative as evidenced by record of work above that normally expected at career stage.

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Agrisearch

Our fully funded PhD scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £19,237 per annum for four years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

To be eligible for these scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a UK National, or

• Have settled status, or

• Have pre-settled status, or

• Have indefinite leave to remain or enter, or

• be an Irish National

Applicants should also meet the residency criteria which requires that they have lived in the EEA, Switzerland, the UK or Gibraltar for at least the three years preceding the start date of the research degree programme.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.