Salary: In line with the Marie Skłodowska-Curie ITN requirements

Reference: ENVGE1066

Closing date: 30 November 2017

Fixed term for 3 years

Early-Stage Researcher (PhD position) in Hydroecology in the Marie

Sklodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network (ITN) (EuroFLOW)

Project 3, School of Geography, Faculty of Environment

Early-Stage Researcher (PhD position) in Hydroecology

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network (ITN):

A European training and research network for

environmental FLOW management in river basins

(EuroFLOW) – Future river flows: designing and modelling

environmental flow regimes to account for changing climate

and policy drivers, School of Geography, Faculty of

Environment.

Are you interested in working in the research field of environmental flows? Do

you want to further your career and attain a PhD in one of the UK’s leading

research intensive Universities?

The University of Leeds is recruiting an Early-stage researcher (PhD student) in the

framework of the EuroFLOW Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network.

The Early-stage researcher (ESR) will be employed for a period of 36 months at the

University of Leeds, UK, and will be part of a network of 15 PhD students enrolled in

a European network of ten academic and thirteen partner institutions.

The overall aim of EuroFLOW is to develop new theoretical and empirical insights via

ground-breaking experimental manipulations, large-scale field surveys and

development of cutting-edge models to inform the management of water flows and

aquatic ecosystems in river basins. The research programme at the University of

Leeds focuses on monitoring and modelling how reservoir release operations affect

instream biota, and ecosystem quality.

This ESR position will test the existing environmental flow standards used in the UK

and design and implement a number of alternative flow scenarios to examine how flow

regimes could be used to provide additional benefits to both the environment and

society. The EuroFLOW ESRs will be embedded in a vibrant research community

covering all aspects of water science via the River Basin Processes and Management

research group, as well as the wider water@leeds network which is one of the largest

interdisciplinary centres for water research in any university in the world,

encompassing expertise from across the physical, biological, chemical, social and

economic sciences and engineering as well as the arts.

A well-structured research and training plan is set up for every ESR as well as a

comprehensive, quality-controlled supervision. The ESRs are brought together for

network training events such as summer schools and workshops for data analysis.

Courses by world leading experts are taught, ranging from general ecological

monitoring and sampling to specialised sessions including advanced data analysis

covering spatial river networks, mixed-effects modelling and food web analysis.

Transferable skills training includes courses on scientific writing, presenting talks,

interaction with media, entrepreneurship, IPR, and management. The partners from

the private sector are closely integrated in EuroFLOW and provide the opportunity for

secondments during the period of study.

Full details are contained in the attached additional information sheet

Important eligibility rules for this position

There are no restrictions on the nationality, but:

Applicants must, at the time of recruitment, not already hold a doctorate degree

and must be in the first 4 years (full-time equivalent) of their research careers

(measured from the date of obtaining the degree which would entitle you to

embark on a PhD).

At the time of recruitment, applicants must not have resided or carried out their

main activity (work, studies, etc) in the UK for more than 12 months in the three

years immediately prior to their recruitment to the EuroFLOW project.

Compulsory national service and/or short stays such as holidays are not taken

into account.

Salary

The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Early Stage Researcher salary is €44,896 per annum

plus allowances in accordance with Marie Curie European regulations. The salary

figure is before employer’s and employee’s deductions for national insurance and

taxes, and will be paid in Sterling on a monthly basis using an appropriate conversion

rate.

What does the role entail?

As an Early-Stage Researcher, your main duties will include:

Setting up experiments to assess how the timing/ magnitude/ frequency of

flows affect geomorphological processes and habitat quality for instream

biota;

Monitoring geomorphological changes and the ecological consequences of

habitat quality and quantity changes;

Using the concept of ‘designer flows’ as a template for providing

hydromorphological integrity to rivers downstream of reservoirs;

Actively participating in all relevant activities organised by the network as

advised by the Supervisor;

Attending meetings as required to discuss the project. This will involve

occasional EU-wide travel;

Ensuring good day-to-day progress of work, and maintaining good

records;

Writing up results for publication and attending suitable conferences for

their dissemination.

What will you bring to the role?

As an Early Stage Researcher, you will have:

A good undergraduate degree and/or a Masters degree, or equivalent, or

expecting one by September 2017, in a relevant subject;

The ability to satisfy the eligibility requirements set for an Early-Stage

Researcher funded by Marie Skłodowska-Curie as specified above;

The ability to satisfy the eligibility requirements to enrol on a PhD degree. This

includes acceptable English language requirements if English is not your first

language;

The flexibility to travel throughout the EU;

Some experience in freshwater ecology. Skills in geomorphological monitoring,

invertebrate taxonomy and/ or statistical analysis using R would be

advantageous;

Applicants must have excellent written and spoken English skills;

Full driving license (UK/EU);

Good time management and planning skills, with the ability to meet tight

deadlines and work effectively under pressure;

Excellent written and verbal communication skills including presentation skills;

Proven ability to manage competing demands effectively, responsibly and

without close support;

A proven ability to work well both individually and in a team;

A strong commitment to your own continuous professional development.

How to apply

You can apply for this role online; more guidance can be found on our How to Apply

information. Applications should be submitted by 23.59 (UK time) on the advertised

closing date. Please specify which project/s you are applying for.

Please note that if you are successful in your application we will also need you to register to study for PhD at Leeds and further details will be provided about how to do this.

Contact information To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact: Dr Megan Klaar, University Academic Fellow- Hydroecology Tel: +44 (0)113 343 3376 Email: m.j.klaar@leeds.ac.uk

Additional information Working at Leeds

You can find out more about our generous benefits package and more about what it

is like to work at the University and live in the Leeds area in our Working at Leeds

section.

Faculty and School Information

Find out more about the Faculty of Environment.

Find out more about our School.

Find out more about Athena Swan in the Faculty.

Candidates with disabilities

Information for candidates with disabilities, impairments or health conditions, including

requesting alternative formats, can be found in our Accessibility information page or

by getting in touch with us at disclosure@leeds.ac.uk.

Criminal record information

Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974

A criminal record check is not required for this position, however, all applicants will be

required to declare if they have any ‘unspent’ criminal offences, including those

pending.

Any offer of appointment will be in accordance with our Criminal Records policy. You

can find out more about required checks and declarations in our Criminal Records

information page.