International PhD Scholarship - Climate Change and Soil Biodiversity: Earthworms as Indicators

Reference No INT-020Butt

Applications are invited for a full-time scholarship available in the School of Built & Natural Environment. The scholarship is tenable for up to 3 years for a PhD (via MPhil route) [subject to satisfactory progress] and is open to international applicants only. UK/EU applicants are not eligible to apply. The scholarship will provide £15000 towards the cost of the International tuition fee over 3 years.

Project Title: Climate Change and Soil Biodiversity: Earthworms as Indicators
Project Description: Data on distribution, abundance and diversity of earthworms in Britain is scattered in the scientific literature. Collation of such information, spanning more than a century will permit production of preliminary distribution maps. More importantly it will provide baseline information for re-examination of sites where date-specific records exist. Through re-sampling, direct comparisons of faunal assemblages will permit assessment of effects brought about by climate changes directly affecting soil-related conditions. These mainly relate to increased temperatures, decreased soil moisture (at times of drought) and elevated carbon dioxide levels.
Major Aims: To determine long and short term changes to soil fauna (earthworms specifically), at selected field sites, from both literature-based and field-collected data; To relate recorded faunal changes with recorded climate changes and analyse observed relationships.
Applicants should have, or expect to receive a qualification equivalent to a high class UK honours degree.

Informal project related enquiries may be directed to Kevin Butt email krbutt@uclan.ac.uk Tel 01772 893966

Application Forms can be found at: www.uclan.ac.uk/studentships
Completed application forms should be emailed to researchdegrees@uclan.ac.uk
The closing date for applications to the Graduate Research Office:
Friday 13 May 2011 5pm British Summer Time
Proposed Interview Date: Thursday 9 June