Ref: CMEES-WEE-114
Research group: Faculty of Engineering and the Environment
Deadline: Applications will be accepted at any time until the position is filled.

Recent establishment of populations of European beaver (Castor fiber) in Scotland, through reintroduction and escapes from private collections, is contentious; their status continues to be reviewed by the Scottish Government. Further reintroductions are proposed for Wales. Concerns that beaver dams may block or impede the movement of migratory fish of high commercial and/or conservation concern have been raised.  There is currently little direct information available on impacts of beaver dams on movements of fish in a UK context, and a paucity of studies from abroad. The aim of the proposed PhD research project is to return to fundamental first principles and quantify the structural and hydrodynamic characteristics associated with beaver dams under field and laboratory settings, and to assess their potential to block the movements of migratory fish. The research findings will be applied to inform management decisions and policy. Suitable candidates should have a degree in an appropriate discipline (biology, ecology, environmental science or engineering, geography etc.) and preferably experience of field and laboratory based research.  They must be able to drive, demonstrate considerable commitment and motivation, and have the ability to work independently and as part of a team at the interdisciplinary interface of ecology and hydraulics.

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Dr Paul Kemp, The International Centre for Ecohydraulics Research, Email: p.kemp@soton.ac.uk, Tel: +44 (0) 2380 595871.

To apply, please use the following website via the ‘Apply’ button.

Deadline: Applications will be accepted at any time until the position is filled.