UNIVERSITY COLLEGE DUBLIN - SCHOOL OF BIOMOLECULAR AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE/ PHD STUDENTSHIP

Background

Recreational use of bathing areas in Ireland predominantly takes place on beaches. Although it has been recognised that these may be contaminated by pathogenic microorganisms, it is unclear what factors contribute to their deposition on beaches and what risks contaminated beaches pose to the general public. This project combines a microbial and molecular analysis of beach sands with a quantitative microbial risk assessment approach. The project focuses on the association of faecal indicator bacteria and pathogenic microbes with sand particles of dry and wet beaches. It aims to identify health risks associated with beach sand contaminated by faecal pollution and pathogenic microbes, suggest appropriate management measures to reduce these health risks and will evaluate the effectiveness of these measures. Applications are invited from suitably qualified graduates for a 3 year PhD studentship position funded by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Eligibility

You should have at least a 2.1 honours BSc degree or equivalent in Microbiology, Environmental Biology, Biochemistry or a related discipline and have an affinity for applied ecological research.

Scholarship

This three year position includes a stipend of €16,000 and EU student fees (€5,800) per annum.

Deadline: 14 December 2011

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