PhD GTA Funded Studentship to“Investigate the artificial Agricultural Field Drainage of Lincolnshire.”

We are seeking an outstanding, highly motivated postgraduate student to undertake a doctoral study in the Lincoln Institute of Agri- Food Technology (LIAT) at the University of Lincoln

The successful candidate will be passionate about agriculture and soil science and will investigate the artificial agricultural field drainage in Lincolnshire and the impact on sediment loading in Lincolnshire watercourses.

In particular the successful candidate will investigate the current condition of artificial agricultural field drainage, the appetite by farmers for change, potential innovation and, in the light of climate change, induced flooding possibility, potential impacts on flood, agricultural production and water quality.This would include research on novel drainage enhancement tools.

Specific objectives will include:

  • Identifying drainage systems or areas most at risk of poor management or condition and consequent implications such as sediment loss.
  • Identifying solutions to reduce sediment loss from field drains to watercourses
  • Implementing a series of trials to establish the effectiveness, cost and practicality of any mitigation measures identified such innovative solutions and technologies when applied will be for the benefit of flood risk, water quality and ecology whilst also maintaining agricultural productivity
  • Developing and implementing an engagement and learning programme to encourage land manager participation in areas where intervention is needed.

The PhD student will be based at the Lincoln Institute of Agri – Food Technology (LIAT) at the University of Lincoln supervised by a Supervisory Committee including Professor Simon Pearson, Director of LIAT, Professor Mark Macklin, Head of the School of Geography, arepresentative from the Environment Agencyand Mrs Isobel Wright, Senior Lecturer with LIAT. Work will be undertaken both at the University of Lincoln Brayford Campus and the Riseholme Campus.

In addition he/she will be engaged with regular meetings with a steering group consisting of external stakeholders including Natural England, The Environment Agency and Anglian Water.

Open to UK, EU and Overseas Students

Tuition Fees (capped at UK/EU fee level) covered though the Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA), which requires the student to conduct up to 6 hours of teaching or related work per week

Stipend/Living allowance: £14,510 per annum
Start date 1st May 2017 or as soon as possible thereafter

Duration: 36 months

Reference: COS-LIAT-2017-1

Informal enquiries may be made to Professor Simon Pearson:

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a first or higher upper second-class honours degree, and preferably a relevant Master’s degree (or equivalent experience) typically in Physical Geography, Agriculture, Soil Science and/or Earth Sciences with substantial experience of qualitative research, excellent report-writing and English language communication skills and ability to work to deadlines.

Suitably qualified candidates worldwide may apply, although International students must self-fund the difference between the International and UK/EU fee rate.

How to apply

Applications must comprise: 1-page covering letter, 2-page research proposal, 2-page CV, and be e-mailed to Mrs Isobel Wright: .

Closing Date: Sunday 31st March 2017

Interviews:April 2017