Evaluating break the pathway measures: Monitoring and evaluating mitigation approaches to improve water quality in an Agricultural Catchment
Description:
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a suitably qualified and strongly motivated graduate to undertake a 45-month funded PhD in the Marine and Freshwater Research Centre (MFRC) at Atlantic Technological University (ATU), based at our Mountbellew campus in Galway.
The aim of the project is to evaluate the efficacy and efficiency of break the pathway measures (e.g., riparian buffer zones and wetlands) to protect and improve water quality within agricultural catchments. Within the context of a doctoral degree programme at ATU, the PhD candidate, under the guidance of the supervisory team will:
- Assess the effectiveness of implemented break the pathway measures (e.g., spatially targeted buffer zones, earthen bunds, hedgerows with mounds) to mitigate and reduce nutrient and sediment pollution,
- Use physico-chemical parameters and biological data (aquatic macrophytes, riparian vegetation and macroinvertebrates) to determine whether implemented break the pathway measures provide protection and improvements in water quality of adjacent aquatic water bodies during base and spate flow conditions,
- Inform the design and implementation of break the pathway measures with specific reference to pollution critical source areas, and
- Make recommendations on appropriate parameters and bioindicators for assessing the water quality of adjacent waterbodies where sediment and nutrients are pressures of concern.
The expected outcomes of this project include the identification, evaluation and dissemination of effective mitigation approaches (i.e., measures, management practices, tools and technologies) to protect and improve water quality as an essential element of sustainable agricultural systems in Ireland.
Requirements/Qualifications: The successful candidate must
- Have valid authorisation to reside, work and travel freely in the European Union for the duration of the project
- Hold an Honours Degree (First or 2:1) in a cognate discipline (Freshwater ecology, Agroecology, Aquatic Ecology, Zoology, Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science or Physical Geography).
- Have a full clean Irish/European Union driving licence
- Be proficient carrying out and conducting aquatic fieldwork
- Be proficient conducting water chemistry analysis in the field and laboratory
- Be competent at identifying aquatic plants and macroinvertebrates to genus and species level
- Demonstrate experience in statistical software packages
- Have a deep knowledge of freshwater ecology
- Have good organisational and management skills
- Have the ability to work as part of a team
- Have good interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
The candidate will be expected to work on their own initiative and be willing to acquire the broader skills necessary for the successful completion of a PhD project.
Project Duration: 45 months
Conditions:
- €25,000 Stipend per annum
- Postgraduate fees for EU and non EU students will be covered by the project.
- In addition, any necessary travel and material costs incurred during the project will be covered.
- The student will be based at the Mountbellew campus, Co. Galway and will have access to facilities at the MFRC, ATU Galway City, Dublin Road Campus.
If either English or Irish is not the applicant’s first language, evidence of English language proficiency is required for registration. Please refer to web link English Language Requirements | ATU – Atlantic Technological University view the minimum English language proficiency standards for entry to ATU.
Project Start Date: May/June 2026
Application Closing Date: 12 noon Friday 3rd April 2026
Applicants should submit:
- Curriculum Vitae (to include 2 referees)
- A copy of transcript of results
- A Personal Statement (1 page max.) outlining:
- How your meet the requirements for the position
- Why you would like to pursue this PhD research programme
Applications must be submitted to heather.lally@atu.ie e-mail address only (with subject line “Application to DAFM PhD”). Please ensure all documents are emailed as a single Word or PDF file.
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